A Bull Ring Indoor Market trader has been fined over £3,000 after a court heard how his stall was found to be 'filthy' with mouse droppings on Easter egg boxes and mouldy produce on display.
Inspection uncovers serious hygiene breaches
Birmingham Magistrates Court was told that environmental health officers from Birmingham City Council carried out a routine inspection in February 2025 at BME United Heritage, Arts and Culture, a stall within the Bull Ring Indoor Market. During the visit, they discovered mouse droppings on Easter egg boxes and food display cases, alongside mouldy carrots and tomatoes, eight packets of out-of-date salmon, and dirty equipment throughout the premises.
The court heard that company director Abdul-Kabir Abdul, 58, was present during the inspection and later showed 'difficulty not shouting at officers' during subsequent visits. He also complained about the frequency of inspections from the council, stating that he felt he was being targeted.
Council responds to complaints
Simon Mortimer, prosecuting for Birmingham City Council, addressed Abdul's complaints directly in court. He said: "He was getting visits because he has filthy premises and we were trying to assist him."
The authority served a hygiene improvement notice following the February 2025 inspection, but follow-up visits revealed that the issues had not been addressed. This led to the prosecution of both Abdul and his company under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.
Court outcome and penalties
Both Abdul and BME United Heritage, Arts and Culture were found guilty in their absence of six charges under the regulations. Abdul was fined £1,100, ordered to pay a £440 victim surcharge, and £1,550 in prosecution costs, bringing the total to £3,090. No separate penalty was issued to the company.
The case highlights the importance of food safety compliance in public markets. Birmingham City Council has stated that it takes food hygiene seriously and will continue to carry out regular inspections to protect public health.
Impact on market reputation
The Bull Ring Indoor Market is a popular destination for shoppers in Birmingham, and incidents like this can damage its reputation. The council's actions demonstrate that food safety breaches will not be tolerated, and traders are reminded to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
For consumers, this case serves as a reminder to check food labels and report any concerns to environmental health authorities. The council encourages anyone who suspects poor hygiene practices at a food business to contact them directly.
