Mouse infestation leads to major fine for Manchester fast food business

A Manchester company has been fined more than £19,000 after a series of food safety violations, including an infestation of mice.

The violations were discovered at two branches of Kanas Fried Chicken – both run by Wingate Services – on Kingsway in Burnage and Wilbraham Road in Chorlton.

Wingate Services was fined a total of £16,000 – for 16 food safety offences across the two takeaways – and ordered to pay costs of £3,087 at Manchester City Council Magistrates’ Court last month.

In March 2016, an officer from Manchester City Council’s environmental health team visited the outlet in Burnage and carried out a routine food safety inspection.

The inspection revealed evidence of mouse activity at the premises as well as dirty conditions throughout – with greasy walls, damaged floor tiles and worn chopping boards in need of replacing.

Mouse faeces were found under the serving counter, next to food packaging and behind the drinks fridge. Mouse droppings were also visible under a heated cabinet, used to store cooked chicken, and in food preparation areas.

Boxes of raw chicken were discovered stored next to lettuce, creating a risk of cross contamination.

The company agreed to voluntarily close the business until such time as the infestation was under control and the cleaning standards and food safety practices were improved.

The takeaway was not allowed to reopen until March 21 2016, when the officer was satisfied that the pest infestation was under control.

A second Kansas Fried Chicken in Chorlton was inspected on March 30 2016 following a complaint from a member of the public.

A large number of mouse faeces were seen throughout the premises, including on shelving under the serving counter, next to food packaging, in a storeroom and a walk-in-fridge.

Mouse droppings were also seen in food trays in a storeroom along with gnawed nesting material.

The director of the company agreed to close the business and did not reopen until April 4 2016.

Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council executive member for neighbourhoods said: “All food businesses need to understand the responsibility they have to their customers, who rightly expect all cafes and restaurants to maintain the highest standards.

“The complete disregard for hygiene displayed by this company is frankly unacceptable, which is illustrated by the severity of the fine.

“This case should serve as a warning – our inspectors are out there and will not hesitate in taking action to protect the public.”