School kitchen reopens after mouse infestation

A school kitchen forced to close after the discovery of a mouse infestation can now reopen after further inspections.

South Oxfordshire District Council environmental health officers found a dead mouse among pan lids at Sonning Common Primary School on 15 July.

Following further inspections, the closure order was lifted on Wednesday , meaning the kitchen can fully reopen.

In a statement, the local authority said officers were now "satisfied that the risk to public health has been removed".

It added that another inspection would take place at the beginning of the next school term, in September, to "ensure that the premises has remained pest free".

The kitchen is not currently in use due to the school holidays.

During their unannounced inspection in July, officers also found mouse droppings in food storage areas.

The kitchen, which is operated by Kites Kitchen Limited, previously had the highest food hygiene rating of five before the routine visit.

It caters for more than 300 pupils a day at the primary school and associated pre-school, with children ranging from two to 11 years old.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.