Sonning Common Primary School kitchen shut over mouse infestation

A school’s kitchen has been closed after the discovery of a mouse infestation.

South Oxfordshire District Council environmental health officers found a dead mouse amongst pan lids and mouse droppings in food storage areas in an unannounced inspection at Sonning Common Primary School on 15 July.

Officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, meaning the kitchen had to close and would remain shut until officers deemed the health risk has been removed.

Alternative catering arrangements are being made until the school closes for the summer on Wednesday, according to the council.

The kitchen, which is operated by Kites Kitchen Limited, previously had a food hygiene rating of five before the routine visit last week.

It caters for more than 300 children a day at the primary school and associated pre-school, ranging from two to 11 years old.

The school has assured the council it was working closely with Kites Kitchen to tackle the issue and ensure pupils had access to meals.

Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, cabinet member for environment, said the infestation represented “a serious risk of disease and food poisoning”.

“Our environmental health officers and litigation lawyers took immediate action on uncovering such high levels of rodent infestation in the school kitchen environment,” he said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation until we are satisfied there is no longer a risk at this site.”

The school and Kites Kitchen have been asked to comment.