Three B&M stores in the West Midlands have been fined a combined total of £1.2 million after undercover inspectors uncovered severe mice infestations. The stores, located in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Coventry, were found to have live and dead mice, droppings, and gnawed food packaging, posing a serious risk to public health.
Inspections Reveal Widespread Infestations
The fines were handed down following inspections by environmental health officers from local councils. At the Birmingham store, officers reported seeing mice running across shelves and through the pet food aisle. In Wolverhampton, droppings were found on products including baby food and biscuits. The Coventry store had a strong smell of urine and dead mice trapped behind fixtures.
According to Birmingham City Council, the infestations had been ongoing for months, with staff failing to report issues or take adequate action. The council's environmental health team said the conditions were 'appalling' and 'unacceptable' for any food retailer.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
The three stores, operated by B&M Retail Ltd, pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of food hygiene regulations. At Birmingham Magistrates' Court, the company was fined £400,000 for each store, plus costs of £100,000. The total fine of £1.2 million is one of the largest ever imposed on a retailer in the region for hygiene offences.
In a statement, B&M said: 'We sincerely apologise for the failings at these stores. We have taken immediate steps to rectify the issues, including deep cleaning, pest control measures, and retraining staff. The safety of our customers is our top priority.'
Customer Reactions and Health Concerns
Shoppers expressed shock and disgust at the findings. One customer, who regularly visited the Birmingham store, said: 'I'm horrified. I've bought food there for years. It makes me feel sick to think what might have been contaminated.'
Health experts warn that mice can spread diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus through their droppings and urine. The Food Standards Agency advises that any food premises with evidence of pests should be closed immediately until the problem is resolved.
Regulatory Response and Future Measures
Local authorities have increased inspections of other B&M stores in the region. Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for public health at Birmingham City Council, said: 'This case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such negligence. Retailers must maintain the highest standards of hygiene or face severe consequences.'
B&M has committed to a comprehensive review of its pest control procedures across all its 700 stores nationwide. The company has also hired an external hygiene consultant to audit every store within the next six months.
