Health food giant Holland & Barrett has been fined £21,000 for the “appalling horrors” of rat and mice infestations at one of its stores.
Islington council hygiene inspectors visited the Upper Street branch unannounced after customer complaints. They found rodent droppings on shelves and food past its sell-by date in the fridge, Highbury magistrates heard.
Mumtaz Keshani, prosecuting, said when inspectors revisited a month later in December last year, the store — motto “We’re good for you” — had failed to remedy the situation.
The brand’s umbrella company, NBTY Europe Limited, admitted seven charges including failing to control pests, selling out-of-date and contaminated food and failing to keep the business clean.
Magistrate Frances Oxley-Sidey said: “Very little was done to correct these issues. It is appalling the grade of the horrors that was presented to members of the public.” As well as the fine, the firm must pay £2,342.86 costs.
Paul Smith, council executive member for environment, said the store had “put the public’s health at risk”.
