Rodent and insect infestations that posed an “unacceptable risk” to human health led inspectors to close a Garratt Lane store, Wandsworth Council said.

According to the council’s report the Punjabi Superstore was in a poor state of hygiene and had to close its doors immediately.

Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “This grocery shop was in a very poor state and posed an unacceptable risk to public health.”

Health inspectors noticed evidence of mouse droppings and urine on the store shelves, cupboards and food storage areas, as well as gnawed food packed still out for sale.

The inspectors then spotted a large mouse scurrying across the floor and discovered pharaoh ants and larder beetles on the premises.

Magistrates backed the decision to close the superstore, ruling that the business posed a risk to public health.

Coun Cook said: “As well as all the income lost while the shop was closed and the significant outlay required to get the business back to an acceptable level of hygiene, there is also the cost of all the stock that had to be thrown out.”

Wandsworth Times:

Oh..R E Os Packet of biscuits chewed open.

The shop was doused in cleaners and pest controllers and the infestation was also brought under control.

The superstore remained closed for six days while all the problems were sorted out and the store was cleaned intensely and disinfected.

When asked about the status of the superstore, a staff member, who declined to give his name, said: “The store is closed at the moment. It’s just being refurbished. We’re just changing the layout.”