A takeaway in Saxilby has been shut down following serious health concerns, as reported by Lincolnshire Live. On May 5, West Lindsey District Council secured an Emergency Prohibition Order from Lincoln Magistrates' Court for Mandarin Chinese, located on High Street. This order means the takeaway cannot reopen until it has made all necessary improvements and these have been confirmed by the council's environmental health officers.
The closure comes after the council's initial efforts to address issues at the establishment were unsuccessful. Subsequent visits revealed that significant health risks remained, prompting the council to take decisive action. Andy Gray, the Head of Environmental Services at the council, emphasized the seriousness with which they regard breaches of food regulations. He noted, “The council takes breaches of food regulations extremely seriously and whilst we recognise the impact that this measure may have on the business, we need to take steps to ensure that the risk to the public is minimised and for the operator to make the required improvements.”
Mandarin Chinese was previously inspected by the Food Standards Agency on April 28, 2025, and received a low rating of one out of five, indicating that major improvements were necessary. The inspection highlighted several areas needing attention, particularly in the hygienic handling of food, which includes preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, and storage. While the facilities and building were generally satisfactory in cleanliness and condition, the lack of proper food safety practices raised alarms.
As of now, Mandarin Chinese remains closed, and the council is awaiting confirmation that the required improvements have been made before allowing the business to reopen. Lincolnshire Live reached out to the takeaway for comments regarding the closure order but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
This situation raises important questions about food safety and public health in our community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage with local businesses to ensure that they adhere to health regulations. As the council works to address these issues, it’s essential for the community to discuss how we can support our local food establishments in maintaining high safety standards.