B&M Retail has been ordered to pay a £2m fine after environmental health inspections at three Birmingham stores uncovered serious food hygiene breaches, including mouse infestations, droppings, and gnawed food products. The offences occurred between November 2024 and October last year.
Inspections and Court Proceedings
Birmingham City Council's environmental health service conducted inspections at B&M stores located at St Andrews Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre, and The Fort Shopping Park. Following the findings, B&M Retail Ltd pleaded guilty to food standard breaches at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 13.
The court ordered the company to pay a £2m fine, prosecution costs of £18,104, and a victim surcharge of £2,000, all payable within 28 days.
Company Apology and Remedial Actions
A B&M spokeswoman expressed deep regret, stating, “We are deeply sorry for the failings identified in the three stores and have taken full responsibility. While food safety and pest-control procedures were in place in each store, those procedures were not followed. That should not have happened. We recognise that these failures were unacceptable and that we must learn from them.”
Since identifying the issues, B&M has implemented comprehensive measures to strengthen controls across its business. These include enhanced management oversight, a significant expansion of pest-control capability, new digital monitoring processes, and increased third-party pest-control store visits across the estate. The spokeswoman added, “These changes are designed to give us better visibility, faster escalation and clearer accountability, so that issues are addressed promptly and consistently. We remain fully committed to meeting high standards of food safety and maintaining safe, clean and hygienic stores.”
Impact and Ongoing Commitment
The failings have prompted a broader review of food safety practices within the retailer. B&M operates numerous stores across the UK, and the company has stressed its commitment to ensuring all locations adhere to strict hygiene standards. The £2m fine is among the largest imposed for food hygiene offences in the region, highlighting the seriousness of the breaches.
