Store fined after rat spotted in bread aisle
Inspectors visited the shop in November 2022
At a glance
A convenience shop has admitted a string of food hygiene offences
FG Retail Ltd, trading as Costcutter at the time of the offence, has been fined £6,781
Rats and mice were found in the main shop and storerooms, as well as poor cleaning practices
Coventry City Council warns other traders it will issue "substantial fines" to those who fail to meet standards
- Published
A convenience store operator has been fined after rats and mice were found inside a shop in Coventry.
Pests and poor cleaning practice were found at Costcutter on Far Gosford Street, operated by FG Retail Ltd, after a complaint from a member of the public on November 2022.
The customer reported seeing a rat run from under the bread sales area.
The firm has been fined £6,781 after admitting food hygiene offences.
Rats and mice were found in the storerooms and main shop
Coventry City Council said two members of its food and safety team visited on the same day as the complaint and discovered "extensive rat and mouse activity".
The authority said cleaning at the business was poor, and poor pest proofing had allowed the pests access internally.
The business was voluntarily closed, but was allowed to reopen after pest treatment, proofing and cleaning.
'Serious matter'
Company director Arbaz Ali pleaded guilty to offences under Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013 at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The Company, FG Retail Ltd was fined £4,000.00, with Mr Ali fined £384 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,243, plus a victim surcharge of £154.
The council said it had conducted follow-up visits to ensure standards had been maintained.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader of Coventry City Council said: "This fine sends out a clear message to other businesses that it is their responsibility to undertaken regular cleaning and checks for pests in their business, even if they have a pest control company in place.
"Food hygiene is a serious matter and by this action, the courts have sent out a strong warning that failing to meet food safety standards can result in a substantial fine."
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