Cash and carry shut down in rodent scare
A Smethwick cash and carry was shut down after mouse droppings were found on bags of food, a court has heard.
Officials issued an emergency prohibition notice to close Golden Foods.
Trading Standards officers visited the premises, in Halberton Street, on Thursday and were so concerned about the rodent activity at the wholesalers that they issued the emergency notice to shut it down. This is the second time evidence of mice have been found at the premises.
In July 2011 the firm Flying Trade Ltd, which owns and runs the cash and carry, was fined more than £26,000 after a mouse infestation was discovered.
Mr David Elliott, prosecuting on behalf of Sandwell Council told Sandwell Magistrates Court yesterday that it was a trader who informed environmental health bosses at the council that he had seen a mouse at the cash and carry.
The court heard that six environmental health officers visited the warehouse on Thursday to look for evidence of a mouse infestation.
They discovered mice urine stains on bags of flour and mice droppings at the premises.
Mr Elliott said: "At that time an emergency prohibition notice was served, because at that point there was an imminent risk of injury to the public."
The court heard that on Thursday evening pest controllers were called in by the firm. Mr Bitesh Solanky, defending, told the court no mice were caught.
The court heard trading standard bosses returned to the Smethwick warehouse again yesterday, and were satisfied that it was safe to reopen. Bosses reopened the cash and carry yesterday afternoon.
Mr Solanky said: "We do feel the actions of trading standards were excessive. A warning would have been sufficient. It was cleaned by Friday."
District Judge Michael Wheeler dismissed Mr Solanky's concerns, and said he was satisfied the council had acted appropriately.
He ordered Flying Trade Ltd to pay £952.20 in investigation and court costs.
