Mould, mice and droppings among issues discovered at Whitehall’s restaurants and bars

Rodent infestation and out-of-date food was found across government canteens and cafes in recent inspections

Whitehall's restaurants and bars have often been the scene of a grubby deal or plot in the occasionally dirty business of politics. But, according to a series of health inspections, they have needed to clean up their acts in more ways than one.

Instances of mouse-nibbled snacks, repeated discoveries of their droppings, mouldy veg and other serious hygiene issues have been raised in recent years in inspections of canteens, cafes and restaurants across Westminster, the Observer can reveal. In one case, the inspector warned that eating in one government department's canteen posed an imminent risk of injury to health".