News report | 03-01-2026 | 20:00

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) observed an increase in emergency closures of food businesses in 2025 due to severe pest infestations. The NVWA closed 75 shops and hospitality venues, whereas in 2024, 57 businesses had to temporarily close their doors due to pest problems. In most cases, it involved a mouse infestation; in other cases, rats and cockroaches caused the nuisance.

Most emergency closures occurred in the Randstad region. In Amsterdam, there were 20 closures; in Rotterdam and The Hague, 7 each; in Leiden, 5; and in Alkmaar, 4. The remaining closures were spread across the Netherlands.

Closure

If NVWA inspectors identify serious public health risks, they can temporarily close a business immediately. An emergency closure is one of the strictest measures the NVWA can impose. Severe pest infestations are a reason to do so. Mice and other pests carry various bacteria and diseases, which they can spread through their droppings. A business may only reopen once all contaminated food has been removed, the premises have been thoroughly cleaned, and effective measures have been taken to combat and keep pests out. The NVWA then conducts a reinspection.

Information for Entrepreneurs

Pests do not belong in kitchens, restaurants, or other areas where food is prepared and sold. Entrepreneurs in the food sector are therefore obliged to actively keep pests away. If traces of mice or other pests are found, the NVWA advises hiring a professional pest control service. This increases the effectiveness of the control. Preventing pests is often easier than combating them. Besides risk-based supervision, the NVWA also focuses on education, for example through sectors, municipalities, and the website. 

Entrepreneurs can find a lot of information about the risks of pests, ways to prevent and combat pests with the help of a pest control professional, on the NVWA website: www.nvwa.nl/muizen. In recent years, entrepreneurs have also been directly approached to inform them about this information and a special checklist they can use. Next year, informational meetings will also be held in various cities.

Reporting Mice

Consumers who find mice, rats, pigeons, cockroaches, flies, or other pests in a hospitality venue or food business can report this to the NVWA. This can be done via 0900-03 88 (usual call charges) or via the online form on the NVWA website.

Want to check how a business was rated during an inspection? Then consult the public inspection results of the NVWA.

More Information

Consumers and businesses can contact our Customer Contact Center. For questions about this news report, journalists can contact our press officers.