Dead Mouse, Droppings Close Down Fratello's for a Day

Health inspectors shut down Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant last week after finding a dead mouse in a trap in the kitchen.

It has since been reopened.

An official with the Orange County Health Care Agency visited the eatery, at 31371 Niguel Road, Suites A-D, on March 5 and found mouse droppings in the kitchen and near food storage cabinets and shelving, according to an online report.

“Rat droppings were also found on a shelf where single use food containers are stored,” the report states

The inspector also found several other violations, including improper sanitation techniques, including the repeated use of soiled wiping cloths, according to the report. The improper use of the cloths was also considered a major violation.

Minor violations included improper holding temperatures for food, including uncooked pizzas, thawing seafood and meats in the open kitchen instead of the refrigerator, improper storage of eggs and too many flies by the dish machine.

The restaurant was allowed to reopen the next day after resolving the issues.