Oldham Council has closed 10 takeaways over the last few weeks after they failed routine food hygiene inspections.
Environmental Health officers regularly visit premises, including takeaways, restaurants and sites where food is prepared, across the borough to check they are up to standard.
Staff found uncontrolled pest infestations including mice and cockroaches - or both - in some of the premises they recently visited.
Droppings were discovered on surfaces and food wrapping material, meaning the food customers eat could have been contaminated.
The council said all of the businesses were immediately closed and will remain shut until they have been re-inspected and food hygiene standards have improved.
A spokesperson for the local authority said further investigations are ongoing so the businesses cannot be named at this stage, as further legal action could take place.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The council never wants to close a business and stop people earning a wage, especially at a time when money is very tight.
“But our officers found these places were dirty and unhealthy.
“If we had failed to act then people could have become ill due to the conditions food was being served in – and we aren’t prepared to let that happen.
“Food businesses must be clean and adhere to food hygiene laws. We’ll take action against the ones that don’t.
“If you are an owner and need advice then get in touch as our officers can help.
“If residents know of any food premises that are dirty and unclean, please report them to us.”
The council is urging all food businesses to employee a professional pest control company and also that they keep their premises clean and carry out their own checks.
The council’s Food Safety team and pest control team can be contacted via ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk or 0161 770 2244.
Information for businesses is also available on the council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/foodsafety
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