Mouse infestation closes Oxfordshire primary school kitchen

South Oxfordshire environmental health officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the kitchen at Sonning Common Primary School last week following a mouse infestation. 

The school caters for over 300 children a day, ranging in age from two to eleven years old.

Officers found a dead mouse amongst pan lids in an equipment cupboard next to the servery area during the inspection, as well as mouse droppings throughout the kitchen and food storage areas.

The notice means the kitchen had to close and will remain closed until officers deem the health risk has been removed.

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The school remains open until the end of term (Wednesday, July 24) and is making alternative arrangements for catering until the issue is resolved.

Mouse droppings found during the inspection (Image: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils)

Following a routine unannounced food hygiene inspection of the kitchen at Sonning Common Primary School on Monday, July 15 officers closed the kitchen when the imminent risk to health was identified.

The food business operator, Kites Kitchen Limited, cater for children attending the primary school and also provide meals for the associated pre-school.

The kitchen previously held a food hygiene rating of five before the visit on July 15

The council said it was evident measures were not in place, including the standards of cleaning, to protect food and food contact materials from contamination. 

On Thursday (July 18) during a hearing at Southern Oxfordshire Magistrates’ Court, council officers presented evidence and confirmed the imminent health risk found on July 15 and at a further visit on July 17.

The court heard that children of such a young age are considered a vulnerable group for food poisoning and related health complications because their immune systems have not yet fully developed. 

Magistrates were satisfied that the risk to health remained in place and made a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which prohibits the use of the kitchen and store areas, until the health risk has been lifted. 

The council was awarded full costs of just over £2,277.

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The district council says that it has been assured by Sonning Common Primary School that the school is working closely with Kites Kitchen to tackle the issue whilst ensuring pupils continue to have access to meals.

Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Our Environmental Health Officers and Litigation Lawyers took immediate action on uncovering such high levels of rodent infestation in the school kitchen environment.

"Our priority remains the welfare of the children and staff at this school.

"This level of contamination represents a serious risk of disease and food poisoning.

"I’m pleased that the Magistrates have endorsed the action our officers took.

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

Council officers are in contact with the relevant authorities and will continue to monitor the situation until the risk has been removed at which point Kites Kitchen Limited will seek permission to re-open the kitchen.