Mice Infestation Results in Hygiene Downgrade at Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium

The discovery of mouse droppings at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium has led to a downgrade in the venue’s food hygiene rating. This issue emerged after an environmental health officer from Trafford Council conducted an inspection in November. While no droppings were found within the kitchen areas, their discovery in other parts of the stadium prompted the council to reduce the food hygiene rating from four to two out of five.

Prior to this downgrade, Old Trafford had held a food hygiene rating of four, indicating a “good” level of food safety practices. However, following the inspection, it was determined that some improvements were necessary, resulting in the re-assessment of the stadium’s cleanliness and pest control measures. The new rating of two signifies that “some improvement is necessary,” a significant drop from its previous status.

Despite the setback, Manchester United has defended its pest-control protocols. The club stated that it has a “robust pest-control system” in place, which includes regular checks of all catering areas, with multiple inspections carried out each week to prevent any pest-related issues. The club emphasized that any incidents involving pests, such as the discovery of mouse droppings, are swiftly addressed with immediate and appropriate action by its pest-control team. The club further assured the public that it has taken steps to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Trafford Council, which is responsible for food hygiene inspections in the area, confirmed that it is collaborating with Manchester United to ensure that necessary improvements are implemented at the stadium. The council’s focus is on addressing the findings and making sure that the food safety standards are raised to the required level. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) rating system, which evaluates food hygiene practices at public venues, ranges from a score of 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good). Old Trafford’s new score places it in the “some improvement necessary” category, which is a significant downgrade from its previous rating of “good.”

The issue of food hygiene is particularly significant for Old Trafford, as the stadium serves food to a large number of visitors each season. According to the club, approximately 250,000 people dine at the stadium during match days and other events, consuming food prepared on-site. The reduction in the food hygiene rating has the potential to affect the reputation of the stadium, particularly as it relates to the safety and quality of the food served to visitors.

The club’s pest-control team took immediate action once the mouse droppings were discovered, reinforcing Manchester United’s commitment to ensuring food safety. The club reassured the public that such incidents are dealt with quickly and efficiently to minimize any impact on the food safety standards at the venue.

This downgrade in food hygiene rating comes at a time when discussions regarding the future of Old Trafford are heating up. Manchester United has been exploring options for a new stadium, and it is expected that the club will reveal detailed plans for the future of the iconic venue in the coming year. The issue with the food hygiene rating adds a new dimension to the ongoing conversations about the stadium’s condition and its long-term prospects. While the food hygiene concerns have been addressed, the situation underscores the broader need for upgrades and improvements, both in terms of infrastructure and operations, as the club looks to secure its place at the forefront of English football.

While the downgrade in Manchester United’s food hygiene rating is a setback, the club’s quick response to the issue and its commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety will likely play a role in restoring its reputation. However, with the possibility of a new stadium on the horizon, the club faces an opportunity to enhance both its operations and facilities moving forward.