A restaurant in Saint John was closed after an inspection report found a “large amount of rodent droppings” and a dead mouse on the floor.

The Swiss Chalet on Consumers Drive in East Saint John has been closed since an inspection on June 24, according to a food establishment inspection summary report that was still online Monday morning.

The inspection, which was rated “red,” found one critical and one major violation, as well as two minor violations. The critical violation relates to a rule prohibiting “signs” of insects or rodents.

“Large amounts of rodent droppings are found on floors and shelves in the kitchen, bar area, seating area and rear prep area,” the report states. “A live mouse was found on a shelf in the kitchen surrounded by rags and large amounts of rodent droppings… A dead mouse was found on the floor in the French fry prep area.”

The main notice from the inspection is that thorough cleaning and disinfection is required “to remove accumulated rodent droppings and food debris,” and the two minor notices relate to broken and missing floor tiles and the need to label stored ready meals with the preparation date.

Swiss Chalet is a brand of Recipe Unlimited Corporation, based in Vaughan, Ontario. Brunswick News has reached out for comment.

The report said it was a routine inspection. Sean Hatchard, spokesperson for the province’s health ministry, explained in an email that food establishments licensed under the Public Health Act are inspected regularly and violations can be referred for follow-up or, in the case of a serious violation, the establishment’s license can be revoked.

If a license is revoked, the operator must “correct any violations or conditions identified in the revocation letter and submit a new application,” Hatchard said, adding that an inspection of the premises will then be conducted.

“How long it takes for a food business to reopen or obtain a license to operate depends on the applicant, their documentation and the length of the application process,” said Hatchard.

“This location is temporarily closed. We will be reopening very soon and can’t wait to see you again,” reads a sign posted outside the Swiss Chalet on Thursday. “Thank you for your patience.”

Andrew Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Telegraph-Journal