An Oxford burger takeaway has reopened after Oxford City Council took urgent enforcement action over what it said were serious food hygiene risks, including a widespread mouse infestation.
At a glance
| Business | Peppers Burgers |
| Address | 84 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6EA |
| Action taken | Urgent food hygiene enforcement action and a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order |
| Main concerns | Oxford City Council said officers found a serious mouse infestation and contamination risks |
| Current position | The council said the premises are now broadly compliant and have reopened |
| Source | Oxford City Council press release 049, dated 21 May 2026 |
Peppers Burgers in Walton Street was temporarily closed after Oxford City Council officers found conditions they said posed an imminent risk of injury to health.
The council said its Business Regulation Team took urgent enforcement action after an inspection identified extremely poor hygiene conditions and a serious mouse infestation throughout the business.
Following the inspection, the premises became subject to a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which was made after the matter went before magistrates.
Oxford City Council has since said the premises are now broadly compliant following further visits and advice from food safety officers, and that the business has reopened.
What inspectors found at Peppers Burgers
According to the council, officers found evidence of a widespread mouse infestation across the premises.
The council said a dead mouse was found behind a freezer in a food storage room, while large quantities of mouse droppings were found in the kitchen, food storage areas, food preparation rooms and customer lobby.
Mouse droppings were also found under sinks and on shelving used to store food wrapping paper, creating what the council described as extensive contamination risks to food and packaging stored in affected areas.
The premises were also said to be insufficiently pest-proofed. Officers reported large gaps around pipework, skirting boards and timber flooring, which they said allowed rodents easy access through the building.
Food safety systems criticised
The council said officers also found no food-safe sanitiser or disinfectant on site, no food safety management procedures, records or documentation, and no evidence of routine pest control checks or a professional pest control contract.
As a result, the council said any food prepared or stored at the premises was considered to be at high risk of contamination.
The Food Standards Agency listing for Peppers Burgers records an inspection on 31 March 2026. It says major improvement was necessary for hygienic food handling, while urgent improvement was necessary for cleanliness and condition of facilities and for food safety management.
Court order followed inspection
Oxford City Council said the food business operator, Mr Ali Ashraf, did not demonstrate an understanding of the seriousness of the risks identified and that the premises were not voluntarily closed after the initial inspection.
According to the council, Mr Ashraf claimed the mice were seasonal and came every year.
The council said magistrates commented positively on the quality of evidence presented by the Business Regulation Team, and said Mr Ashraf’s behaviour during the inspection was not acceptable.
Oxford City Council’s food hygiene enforcement guidance says emergency action can be taken where there is an imminent risk to health. It says emergency prohibition notices must be confirmed by the court.
Council says conditions were unacceptable
Councillor Lubna Arshad, Cabinet Member for a Safer Oxford, said: “The conditions found at this premises were wholly unacceptable and posed a serious risk to public health.
“Businesses serving food in Oxford have a legal and moral responsibility to maintain rigorous hygiene standards.
“We will not hesitate to take immediate and robust action where there is an imminent risk to residents and visitors, and where operators fail to recognise or act on serious food safety breaches.”
The council said it takes food safety extremely seriously and will continue to use its enforcement powers to protect the public.
How food hygiene ratings work
The national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by the Food Standards Agency and gives consumers information about hygiene standards found during inspections.
Oxford City Council says ratings are based on three areas: food hygiene and safety procedures, structural requirements, and confidence in management. A rating of zero means urgent improvement is necessary, while five means hygiene standards are very good.
Businesses can appeal a rating, submit a right to reply or request a reinspection if they have made improvements.
FAQs
Is Peppers Burgers open now?
Oxford City Council said the premises are now broadly compliant and have reopened after further visits and advice from food safety officers.
Why was Peppers Burgers closed?
The council said officers identified an imminent risk to public health after finding extremely poor hygiene conditions, a serious mouse infestation and contamination risks affecting food and food packaging.
Where is Peppers Burgers?
The Food Standards Agency lists Peppers Burgers at 84 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6EA.
What is a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order?
It is a legal order used in serious food safety cases where there is an imminent risk to health. Oxford City Council says emergency prohibition action must be confirmed by the court.
How can customers check food hygiene ratings?
Food hygiene ratings can be checked through the Food Standards Agency website.
