Inspectors ordered a Watford takeaway to call in pest control after they found an “active infestation of mice”, a damning report has revealed.

The joint Mr Sushi and Panda Oriental takeaways at 97 Vicarage Road were handed an ‘urgent improvement necessary’ notice last month after a Watford Borough Council food hygiene inspection on March 11.

In their report obtained this week by the Watford Observer, inspectors said they found mouse droppings on worktops to the rear of the kitchen and even on a chopping board.

Watford Observer: Inspectors found mice droppings in the rear kitchen, including on a chopping board.Inspectors found mice droppings in the rear kitchen, including on a chopping board. (Image: Watford Borough Council)The owner was ordered to call in pest control to block rodent entry points and introduce a baiting programme to get rid of the infestation.

Cleaning standards were branded “very poor” as inspectors found dirt, grease and food debris “ingrained” in the worktops, walls and floors, as well as a significant build-up of grease inside the extractor fans.

Watford Observer: There was reportedly dirt and grease ingrained in the walls, floors and worktops.There was reportedly dirt and grease ingrained in the walls, floors and worktops. (Image: Watford Borough Council)Staff were not adequately disinfecting the work surfaces used for food preparation and the food wash basin was also dirty.

Watford Observer: Inside one of the fridges at Mr Sushi/Panda Oriental.Inside one of the fridges at Mr Sushi/Panda Oriental. (Image: Watford Borough Council)The bins were also “overflowing” inside the takeaway and the owner was ordered to provide more or remove them more often.

Watford Observer: Inspectors said the toilet was dirty and said no soap in the sink.Inspectors said the toilet was dirty and said no soap in the sink. (Image: Watford Borough Council)There was also no hot or cold water in the hand wash sink, no soap or drying facilities, the toilet had no soap, and "unhygienic" power tools and building materials were found in the kitchen and rear store.

Watford Observer: Building material accumulating in the takeaway's rear store. Building material accumulating in the takeaway's rear store. (Image: Watford Borough Council)Several faults were also found in the building’s facilities as strip lighting in the kitchen was coming away from the ceiling while there was a damaged wall and ceiling in the rear kitchen.

The takeaway had no food safety management system while food hygiene training was "poor” and the allergen controls were said to be “lacking”.

Watford Observer: The takeaway was ordered to fix the damaged ceiling and wall in the rear kitchen within 14 days.The takeaway was ordered to fix the damaged ceiling and wall in the rear kitchen within 14 days. (Image: Watford Borough Council)HK Roast Ltd, which was given a 0/5 food hygiene rating, was ordered to deep clean the kitchen and toilet, as well as fix the water supply within a week and the damaged wall within 14 days.

The borough council has confirmed that after the inspection the takeaway was asked to close temporarily until standards improved. It was allowed to reopen following a revisit on April 14.

Watford Observer: Inspectors found building materials in the takeaway's rear store.Inspectors found building materials in the takeaway's rear store. (Image: Watford Borough Council)However, the Watford Observer understands that the eatery has now permanently closed. The unit has been handed over to a new business owner who is in the process of applying for permission to open.

HK Roast was contacted for comment.