A COVENTRY food firm has been fined for poor hygiene and failing to control pests after someone reported a rat had run out from under its bread sales area.
FG Retail Ltd on Far Gosford Street, which was trading as Costcutter at the time, has been fined £6,781 after pleading guilty to food hygiene offences.
In November 2022 a complaint was received from a Coventrian stating they had seen a rat run out from under the bread sales area.
Later that day, two Officers from the council’s Food and Safety Team made a visit where extensive rat and mouse activity was found throughout the storerooms and main shop areas.
The officers also found cleaning and pest proofing at the business was poor which had allowed the rats access internally.
It was voluntarily closed whilst improvements were made, and the infestations treated, meaning it has since been able to reopen.
The owner was invited to attend an interview under caution to explain the conditions found but chose not to attend.
Company director Mr Arbaz Ali pleaded guilty to hygiene offences under Regulation 19 (1) of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Coventry Magistrates Court on October 9.
The Company was fined £4,000, while Mr Ali was charged £384 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,243 as well as a victim surcharge of £154.
The premises has been subject to follow-up visits to check standards have been maintained.
Coventry City Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities, Coun Abdul Salam Khan, said: “People buying food from retailers in Coventry should expect the food to be free from contamination and safe to eat.
“This fine sends out a clear message to other businesses that it is their responsibility to undertake regular cleaning and checks for pests in their business, even if they have a pest control company in place.”
