JK Foods 24-7 Ltd and its director Jamil Zamankhail have been fined a combined total of £18,000 after a Birmingham store experienced two severe mice infestations just weeks apart, a court heard.
Inspections reveal widespread contamination
An inspection at Kings Heath International Store on High Street in Kings Heath on April 16, 2025, uncovered mouse droppings on the butcher's block and throughout the butchery area. Droppings were also found on bags of food, in boxes containing herbs and spices, and in storage areas. Inspectors noted blood on walls, rusty shelving, and dirty conditions in the walk-in fridge and staff areas. The shop was closed until the risk to public health was removed.
However, on June 3, 2025, a further inspection revealed another mouse infestation, with droppings next to canned and bottled drinks, in storage areas, and near ready-to-eat food items. Meat was stored on rusty racking in the walk-in fridge, and walls were stained with blood, dirt, and rust.
Systematic failures cited
Altaf Hussain, prosecuting for Birmingham City Council, stated: "There have been systematic failures in cleaning, pest control and the protection of food against contamination."
Zamankhail, speaking through an interpreter, told the court he had sold the business three weeks earlier due to making a significant loss. He said: "When we bought the shop, the condition was not very good. We said we would try to fix it soon and we spent £8-9,000." He added that he had rented out the meat section and it was not run by him.
Magistrates' criticism and penalties
Magistrates told Zamankhail: "In a very short time, the condition of the premises returned to that of the first occasion." Zamankhail was fined £1,800 and ordered to pay a £720 surcharge and £1,200 costs. The company was fined £16,000 with a £2,000 surcharge and £1,200 costs.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to six charges each under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at a hearing on Thursday, July 2.
