Nando's closed to tackle 'mice activity', report

Nando’s says the hygiene of its restaurants is its “top priority”

A Nando’s restaurant which said it closed for “some DIY” was pest-proofing to help solve its “mice activity” problem, a council hygiene report has revealed.

The Maidstone venue temporarily shut in July while works took place and a report showed the restaurant was given a two-star food hygiene rating just two months before.

The popular chicken restaurant was ordered to take action after Maidstone Borough Council officers found evidence of rodent droppings as well as food debris and broken crockery on the floor. The report also said that mice were "actively seen" by customers.

Nando’s says the hygiene of its restaurants is its “top priority” and it is working to regain its five-star rating.

Nando's told inspectors it had been operating an "enhanced pest control protocol"

The branch had otherwise been rated "good" for hygienic handling of food, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

Management of food safety was also "generally satisfactory".

Maidstone council released the hygiene report for the Earl Street restaurant following a Freedom of Information request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The hygiene report stated: “Although various pest control measures had already been implemented and your pest contractor is carrying out treatment for rodents, mice are still being actively seen by staff and customers in the dining area on the first floor of the premises during service."

'Enhanced pest control protocol'

It was also noted in the report that wire wool had been used to fill possible rodent access points, including in the kitchen area - which inspectors said could have led to contamination of food.

Inspectors added that they did not consider the measures in place to be adequate "in terms of treatment and preventing access".

Nando's told inspectors it had been operating an "enhanced pest control protocol" which included extra cleaning of all equipment, surfaces and public seating areas.

Despite the concerns raised, the restaurant performed better for management of food safety and it was noted systems and checks were in place to ensure food sold or served on the premises was safe to eat.

Nando's said: "We’re always looking at ways to improve our buildings, and regularly undertake refurbishment works, like we did in Maidstone earlier this year."