Legal News

Walsall Council has prosecuted the owner of a mini market closed in May 2016, after Environmental Health officers found an extensive mouse infestation on the premises and ordered its immediate closure.

The owner of the Bucuresti Mini Market was named as Mr Hsin of 20a Caldmore Green in Walsall, who pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court to offences which included inadequate procedures to control pests, after mouse droppings were found throughout the premises, including near to food items.

Other offences included construction of food premises which did not permit good food hygiene practices, including pest control – and the premises were not kept clean and in good condition.

Hsin pleaded guilty to all three offences and was fined £600 for each, as well as being ordered to pay £2,497.50 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £180 – a total of £4,477.50.

Councillor Julie Fitzpatrick – whose portfolio holder includes public protection – said:

“Food business operators must carry out regular checks, as mice are not always visible but evidence of their activity should be.

“Mice spread diseases such as salmonella and their faeces can contaminate food products, thereby placing the public's health at risk if they are present in an area where food is being stored and sold.

”The safety of our residents is paramount – and we will always look to take prompt and robust action against those premises that fall outside the required hygiene standards and place the public’s health at risk of harm.”

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have fallen ill with food poisoning caused by negligence – including on package holidays – on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Food poisoning claims have to be made within three years of illness or diagnosis of illness – children can claim compensation for food poisoning up to the age of 21, including claims involving: