B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2m over food hygiene offences identified at three of its Birmingham stores, where inspectors discovered mouse droppings and gnawed food products
B&M Retail Ltd has been slapped with a massive £2million fine after Birmingham city council took the retailer to court over food hygiene breaches discovered at three of its Birmingham outlets.
The appalling violations at St Andrews Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park came to light following council environmental health investigations sparked by complaints between November 2024 and October last year.
Mouse infestations, droppings and nibbled food items were among the grim findings uncovered. The council revealed that inspectors descended on the St Andrews Retail Park branch on November 11, 2024, after receiving reports of vermin on the premises.
Officials discovered substantial evidence of rodent activity, including mouse droppings and chewed food products still on the shelves, according to the council. Given the severe threat to public health, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was issued, reports Birmingham Live.
An examination was conducted at the B&M store in Priory Square Shopping Centre following a complaint from a shopper who spotted a mouse scurrying around the shop.
During the visit, officers uncovered proof of an active mouse infestation, including gnawed food items, mouse droppings and urine contamination on food packaging and shelving, poor cleaning standards and structural flaws permitting pest access on January 22, last year, the council stated.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and the outlet was shuttered immediately. A subsequent inspection was carried out at B&M’s outlet at The Fort Shopping Park on October 27 last year, after a complaint was made alleging a mouse infestation.
Officers discovered extensive evidence of mouse activity across the site, including mouse droppings and nibbled food items on the shop floor and in storage areas, the council revealed.
Mouse droppings were also discovered close to children’s toys that were on display. Due to the public health risks, the premises was officially shut down using another Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
B&M Retail Ltd admitted to the charges at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court during a sentencing hearing on July 13. The firm was ordered to pay a £2million fine, prosecution costs of £18,104, and a victim surcharge of £2,000 – each payable within 28 days.
Following the case, Councillor Sam Forsyth, Chair of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: “Residents rightly expect businesses operating in Birmingham to maintain high standards and provide safe environments for customers. The health and wellbeing of Birmingham residents will always come first, and the conditions identified by our Environmental Health officers across these stores were unacceptable and required immediate intervention to protect the public.
“I welcome the work of our Environmental Health teams in identifying these risks and taking swift action. This substantial court penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences and sends a clear message that businesses must take their responsibilities seriously. Birmingham City Council will continue to take robust enforcement action where necessary to protect residents and ensure standards are upheld across the city.”
Birmingham City Council’s Environmental Health Service investigates complaints relating to food hygiene, health and safety and public health risks across the city. Residents can report food hygiene concerns via the council’s website.
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