East London wholesale shop ordered to pay over £16k after mice poo found on food

A shop in Barking has been ordered to pay more than £16,000 in fines and costs following an inspection which found serious food safety breaches including mice droppings on food. On June 29, 2023, Barking and Dagenham Council's environmental health officers carried out an inspection at Abiglobal Foods Wholesale Ltd, which is an African-Caribbean foods wholesaler located on River Road.

Officers discovered several food safety breaches, including evidence of a 'significant' rodent infestation and found mice droppings throughout the shop. The premises had failed to meet essential pest-proofing requirements, and officers found a number of gaps and cracks in external doors, windows and walls.

The condition of the floor coverings was deemed inadequate and the wash hand basin wasn't properly connected to the drainage system. As the infestation was so severe and there was a potential risk to public health, the shop was closed immediately and the food business operator voluntarily ceased operations.

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The shop was allowed to reopen the following month on July 7 once it had carried out all remedial actions and there was no longer a risk to health. On October 8 of this year, the company and its director, Abigail Ronke Thomas, pleaded guilty to four out of five charges at Barkingside Magistrates' Court - the prosecution agreed to withdraw one of the offences during the hearing.

Sentencing took place at Romford Magistrates' Court on November 7 where the company was fined £10,000 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge or £2,000 along with costs of £2,869. Ms Thomas was ordered to pay a £400 fine and a victim surcharge of £160.

Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "We take food safety and hygiene standards very seriously, and it is essential that all food businesses adhere to the strict regulations in place to protect public health.

"The serious nature of the violations found at Abiglobal Foods Wholesale Ltd led to immediate action to ensure the premises posed no further risk. The court's decision sends a clear message that such breaches will not be tolerated." The business is being closely monitored by the council to ensure it's following all regulations.

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