Home / Health / Rodent Nightmare: £13k Fine for Mouse-Ridden Store
Rodent Nightmare: £13k Fine for Mouse-Ridden Store
4 Dec
Summary
- Mice droppings and a dead mouse found at the Liverpool store.
- Food items like crisps and chocolates were gnawed by rodents.
- Operator fined over £13,000 for severe food safety breaches.
A convenience store in Liverpool, Best In Late Shop, has been fined more than £13,000 following the discovery of a significant mouse infestation. Environmental health officers from Liverpool City Council found mouse droppings on display shelving and floor surfaces during an inspection in October 2024. Crucially, food items available for sale, including crisps and chocolates, had been gnawed by mice, and a dead rodent was found beneath a freezer.
The severity of the hygiene breaches, which included inadequate pest control and evidence of rodents consuming food, led to the shop being immediately shut down due to an imminent risk to health. Operator Freshone Ltd pleaded guilty to five charges related to food safety and hygiene regulations. The court ordered the company to pay a fine of £5,333, a victim surcharge of £2,000, and £5,694 in costs.
After its enforced closure, during which over 55 mice were caught, the Best In Late Shop implemented drastic improvements. A subsequent inspection in May this year awarded the premises the highest food hygiene rating of five. Council officials praised the business for taking responsibility and implementing recommendations to rectify the situation.
