A major UK retailer has been hit with a hefty fine after environmental health officers discovered a severe rodent infestation in one of its Midlands stores, with mice and rats found gnawing on Easter eggs.
Store Inspection Reveals Shocking Hygiene Failings
The alarming situation at The Range on Crossley Retail Park in Kidderminster came to light in March last year. Officials from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) conducted an inspection after a tip-off from a member of the public. What they found was deeply concerning: rodents had been eating confectionery, including Easter eggs, directly from the shop shelves.
During subsequent follow-up visits, the scale of the problem became even clearer. Environmental health officers documented mouse and rat droppings throughout the premises. The droppings were discovered on multiple shelves, in the area surrounding the tills, and on pallets stored in the store's depot.
Swift Action and Legal Repercussions
Following the discovery, staff at The Range cooperated with regulators. They immediately initiated a product recall for the affected Easter eggs and took the step of voluntarily closing off the section of the store where the gnawed items were found. A spokesperson for Wyre Forest District Council confirmed that additional pest control measures were also implemented to address the issue.
Despite this corrective action, the company faced legal consequences for the initial breach. CDS (Superstores International) Limited, which trades as The Range, admitted to two charges of breaching food safety and hygiene regulations at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court in June 2025.
On December 11, 2025, a district judge ordered the company to pay a substantial fine of £400,000. In addition to the fine, the court mandated payment of full prosecution costs amounting to £10,545.74 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. This brings the total financial penalty to £412,545.74.
Council Warns Businesses Over Public Safety
Commenting on the case, Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, emphasised the importance of compliance. "This case shows why businesses must follow the rules," he stated. He acknowledged that the company had worked hard to rectify the problems since officers first raised concerns but added a firm warning: "We will always act when standards are not met to keep the public safe."
Worcestershire Regulatory Services, which brought the prosecution, is a shared public service funded by the six district councils within the county. The case serves as a stark reminder to all food retailers of their legal and moral obligations to maintain stringent hygiene standards to protect consumers.
