Walsall farm shop butchers prosecuted over discovery of mouse droppings
Two food business owners at a Walsall farm shop have been ordered to pay a combined £750 in costs after mouse droppings were spotted in a chiller.
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Evidence of rodent activity was discovered at Beacon Farm Butchers off Beacon Road near Barr Beacon 18 months ago.
The owner Peter Lilwall pleaded guilty of failing to implement adequate pest control procedures in October 2023 and council inspectors also found the layout, design, construction, siting, and size of the premises, in Pinfold Lane, were also unsuitable for maintaining good food hygiene procedures for pest control.
In Addition, Joseph Kinder of Weyhill Close, Pendeford in Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to failing to keep the food premises clean and maintained in good repair and condition.
The matter came to light when October 24, 2023,when Walsall Council environmental health officers made an unannounced visit to the farm for a routine food hygiene inspection. The council said they saw mouse droppings throughout the premises on floors and shelving in food preparation areas, in the walk-in chiller and boxes.
As a result the business was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice and the site was temporarily closed to customers.
When officers made a return visit the next day the premises along with a pest control company the property showed signs of a severe infestation and mice were seen on glue boards.
After cooperating with the officers and the contractor, the business was allowed to re-open five days later. However, the operators were prosecuted.
At a hearing at Dudley Magistrates Court on February 19 both defendants admitted the offences and both were sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.
Lilwall, of Pinfold Lane, was ordered to pay £500 costs and Kinder was ordered to pay £250 costs. Both were orderd to pay victims' surcharge £26.
After the hearing Walsall Council leader Garry Perry said: “This business had failed to meet industry safety standards, putting the public at serious risk of food poisoning.
"Our teams have successfully prosecuted this case and the defendants involved, and I commend them for their hard work to maintaining high standards and protecting our community. They continue to work with the business to make the necessary improvements and work towards compliance.
“While we want Walsall businesses to succeed, we will take appropriate action if food safety standards are compromised.”
