A Birmingham McDonald's restaurant has admitted to serious hygiene failures after environmental health officers discovered a mouse infestation and multiple pest access points.
Birmingham Magistrates Court heard that Remmer Restaurants Ltd, the franchisee of the McDonald's branch on College Road in Kingstanding, failed to maintain adequate cleanliness and prevent mice from entering the premises.
The issues came to light following a visit from Birmingham City Council environmental health officers on February 13, 2025.
Charges and Failings
The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
The first charge stated that the food premises was not kept clean or maintained in good repair. Cleaning procedures were inadequate, with food debris accumulating in food areas. Multiple pest access points were identified throughout the premises, including gaps at the front entrance and rear delivery access, unsecured external vents at ground level, and an internal access point within the ceiling of the service area through stainless-steel electrical boxing in the drinks service and fryer sections.
The second charge highlighted the failure to establish, implement, and maintain a food safety management system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Effective procedures for hygienic handling and sale of food were absent, and pest control and cleaning practices were deficient. Specific unclean conditions were noted in the drinks packaging storage cupboard, beneath the drinks service section, rubber wall guards, food preparation and storage areas such as the egg station, microwave section, and fryer area. Floor-wall junctions also showed persistent lack of cleanliness.
Court Proceedings
District Judge Wain adjourned the case until May 13 for further information and potential sentencing. He remarked that the evidence showed 'abundant signs of imminent risk to public health'.
Ian Manners, representing Remmer Restaurants Ltd, argued that the failings were not systematic and that previous inspections, including one just days before the incident, had not identified any adverse issues. He added that the hygiene problems had since been remedied.
