Two fast food restaurants have been closed following the discovery of rodent infestations.

Waltham Forest Council food safety officers discovered infestations at Dixy Chicken, Wood Street, and Khan G Kebabish, Lea Bridge Road last month.

Inspectors discovered clear evidence of mouse infestations, documenting droppings in the restaurants’ kitchens.

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Mouse droppings in Dixy Chicken. Photo: Waltham Forest Council

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Garbage piling up out the back of Dixy Chicken. Photo: Waltham Forest Council

A council spokesperson said: “Food safety officers work hard to keep residents and visitors to Waltham Forest safe from unscrupulous restaurants and kitchens who do not take the necessary steps to keep their premises clean and pest free.

“The message is clear: we take public health very seriously, and we will make every effort to find and take action against food businesses owners who do not.”

The closure of Khan G Kebabish was confirmed by a court who awarded costs of £980.00 to the council.

Dixy Chicken was told to pay the council £725.96.

Both establishments can reopen when food safety officers are satisfied the owners have treated the infestation and that is no immediate risk to public health.

A council spokesperson added: “Pests in restaurant kitchens can spread illnesses and disease. Cockroaches have been known to spread cholera, leprosy, and listeriosis among others, while mice and rats can carry salmonella, hantavirus and even the infamous bubonic plague.”

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Mice dropping in Khan G Kebabish, Photo: Waltham Forest Council