A McDonald's restaurant in Kingstanding, Birmingham, has been fined £8,000 after continuing to serve food despite a mouse infestation that saw staff appear unfazed when customers spotted a rodent.
Birmingham City Council environmental health officers investigated the College Road restaurant in February 2025 after a customer witnessed a small mouse scurrying from the counter. Officers discovered evidence of rodent activity throughout the restaurant, including a dead baby mouse and droppings in the food preparation area and by the drinks service station. Packaging materials were also found to be soiled.
Prosecutor Henry Skudra told Birmingham Magistrates Court: 'Employees were said to be unfazed and treated the incident as a regular occurrence.' The restaurant, run by Remmer Restaurants LTD, was temporarily closed under an emergency prohibition notice but reopened within 24 hours after completing remedial works.
In a dramatic turnaround, the McDonald's has since achieved a five-star food hygiene rating following two unannounced inspections. The company has made major personnel changes and invested in enhanced pest control measures including rodent detection sensors. Remmer Restaurants was also ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs after pleading guilty to contravening Food Safety and Hygiene regulations.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent pest control measures in food establishments. Birmingham City Council continues to enforce food safety standards to protect public health.
