‘Significant mouse problem’: Crystal Palace’s training ground gets zero food hygiene rating
Crystal Palace have said they have taken action “to remedy the issues highlighted” after the kitchen at the club’s training ground was given a zero food hygiene rating because inspectors found it had been infested with mice for several months.
An environmental health officer inspected Palace’s facility in Beckenham in August and discovered a “significant mouse problem” that required immediate pest control action. The kitchen, which caters for players and staff, had to be shut down.
“You have been given a food hygiene rating of 0,” said the report, which was released by Bromley council following a freedom of information request from the Kent Live website.
“This is because the conditions found at the time of inspection were unacceptable. Personally, I am disappointed as you have failed to ensure the safety of the food you are producing and feeding your staff.
“It is clear that you haven’t managed the problem effectively and the activity has been ongoing for several months. You agreed to voluntarily close the kitchen for a few days to address this matter. Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests.”
In a statement, a Palace spokesman said the problem had emerged after work to upgrade the training ground was completed and had now been resolved.
“The remedial action was approved by the environmental health inspector and we are confident that our five-star rating at Beckenham will be restored when we are re-inspected, in line with our five-star rating for the kitchen facilities at Selhurst Park,” the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, Sussex police has confirmed 10 people were arrested on Tuesday before and after Palace’s 3-1 defeat at Brighton. Four arrests were made in the city, three at Falmer railway station and another three at the Amex Stadium – including one fan who threw a pie on to the pitch.