Fighting Cocks Supermarket in Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, has been ordered to pay more than £8,000 after environmental health officers discovered a significant rat infestation, including rodent droppings, gnawed food, and rodent footprints on dusty cans. The business pleaded guilty to three breaches of The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Dudley Magistrates' Court on June 24.
Details of the inspection
A routine food hygiene inspection by City of Wolverhampton Council’s environmental health officers in January 2025 revealed clear evidence of rodent activity across the sales floor and warehouse. Issues included poor warehouse control that made pest problems difficult to identify, a lack of suitable handwash provision at the butchery counter and WC, and raw and ready-to-eat food stored together in the butchery fridge, where mouldy food containers were also found. The inspection also uncovered a dirty WC cubicle and the display of the wrong food hygiene rating sticker.
Immediate closure and court outcome
The premises was closed immediately and only allowed to re-open once the immediate risk to health was removed. The supermarket admitted failing to protect food against contamination, failing to have adequate pest control procedures, and failing to keep the premises clean and in good repair. It was fined £3,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,200, and £4,000 in costs.
Council response
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for resident services, said: “This is a highly concerning case in which a business knowingly placed its customers at risk. Poor food hygiene can lead to serious illness and, in this instance, the company showed a complete disregard for the safety of those that trusted it. When food businesses fail to meet the required standards, our environmental health officers will take action and provide guidance on the improvements needed. This was the case with Fighting Cocks Supermarket, and we will continue to monitor the premises to ensure compliance and protect the public. We are committed to safeguarding residents and consumers, and this case should serve as a clear reminder that we take food hygiene standards extremely seriously in Wolverhampton.”
