SHOPPING centre security guards closed down a fish pedicure outlet in Oxford yesterday following health concerns.

Security officers at the Clarendon Centre told staff at Bubblefeet – where customers place their feet in water containing dozens of tiny fish – to stop trading at 2.30pm.

It came after Health Protection Agency (HPA) officials said people with weak immune systems or underlying medical conditions were at increased risk of infection from fish pedicures.

Clarendon Centre manager Andy Margieson said: “I picked up the newspaper today and saw the front page headlines blaring out at us.

“We asked Bubblefeet to cease trading in the centre until we have further information, as a matter of public interest.

“We are looking for further information from the promoters themselves and the Environment Agency.”

He said he did not know when the outlet would reopen.

The HPA said while the pampering carried a “very low” risk for healthy clients, those with conditions including diabetes and psoriasis were advised against it.

The pedicures have been banned in some US states, including Florida and Texas.

Pensioner Patricia Telling, 62, was shopping in Oxford when Bubblefeet was closed down yesterday. She said: “We had thought of doing it, but now you don’t know. I wouldn’t do it now.”

The HPA yesterday issued new guidance after a panel found fish tank water contained a number of micro-organisms.

It said infections could be transmitted either from fish to person, via the nibbling process, water to person, or person to person.

It said any risk was “very low” for healthy clients when spas adhered to strict codes of cleanliness.

Dr Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist at the HPA, said: “Provided good standards of hygiene are followed by salons, members of the public are unlikely to get an infection from a fish spa pedicure, however the risk will be higher for certain people.

“This is why we feel it’s important for salons to ensure the client has no underlying health conditions that could put them at risk, and that a thorough foot examination is performed, to make sure there are no cuts, grazes or existing skin conditions that could spread infection.”

One woman, who said she had used the treatment regularly, said: “From what I’ve been told I know it’s very hygienic, I have no problem with sticking my feet in there.”

She added: “The fish are very smart, and they work as teams. The bigger ones jump from tank to tank. It’s just healthy, happy fish behaviour.”

Brent Baker, from Bubblefeet, said: “The safety and well being of both our customers and fish is our top priority. We operate under strict health and safety guidelines, and work very closely with the Health & Safety Executive, and local authorities, to ensure our spas are of the highest standard.

“Our tanks are operated in line with industry regulations. Bubblefeet has a specially-designed filtration system, developed and managed by experts in the aquatics field, which sterilises the water up to eight times an hour, and the UV systems used ensure no diseases can live in the water.

“Every customer is required to complete a full health questionnaire, followed by a foot inspection. Anyone with cuts or open sores on their feet or hands are not allowed to take the treatment. In addition, the Garra Rufa fish used by Bubblefeet do not have teeth, and cannot pierce the skin. Therefore the transfer of fluids is not able to take place.”