Grocery Store Shut After Cockroach Infestation

A grocery in Reading town centre has been forced to close after the discovery of cockroaches and evidence of a mice infestation.

A grocery store in Reading town centre has been shut down following the discovery of cockroaches and mice.

My Fruit, situated on West Street, has received a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order from Reading Borough Council, effectively closing its doors.

This action came after a routine inspection by the council's Food and Safety team on October 10, which revealed live cockroach activity and signs of a mouse infestation, posing a serious risk to public health.

A council spokesperson stated: “As a result, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) was issued to close the premises immediately.”

Reading Magistrates Court later confirmed the closure with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO), granting costs to the council.

This closure follows another HEPO issued for the kitchen of the Shirdi Saibaba Temple, also on West Street, on September 11. Although they share the same building, the closures are considered separate incidents.

The spokesperson added: “The two closures at 44 West Street are entirely separate; however, there may have been migration of cockroaches between the two premises.”

The council has the authority to close a business using a HEPN, but an HEPO is needed for confirmation through a Magistrates' Court hearing. The business will remain closed until the council is assured it no longer poses a health risk.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter