Local food warehouse fined over serious rodent infestation

An Oldbury based company Pearl Food Distribution Limited appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on 7th September charged with seven food hygiene offences.

Inspectors had previously found droppings from rats and mice on packaged products, nesting material and gnawed packaging amongst other serious issues in their April visit.

In Court, the director of Pearl Food Distribution Limited, Mr Shah claimed it was the responsibility of the landlord to fill the holes which pests were using to enter the premises. District Judge Wheeler found that the company had failed in its duty to ensure that the premises were adequately protected against pest infestation.

A fine of £12,000 was imposed, and the company was also required to pay the prosecutor’s costs of £4,429 and a victim surcharge of £170.

The Company, which was previously based at Imex industrial estate on Union Road where the offences occurred, has since relocated to Middlemore Industrial Estate in Smethwick.

James Lowe, Regulatory and Licensing Partner at George Green commented that “not all food businesses are fully aware of the legal obligations placed on them to adequately defend against pests. As in this case, there can often be a misconception of who is responsible for compliance with food hygiene requirements where more than one party has an interest in the property”.

Should you have any questions about your obligations under food safety and food hygiene legislation, or in the event that you receive a food hygiene rating that is lower than anticipated, call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.