Live mouse found inside 'filthy' city food firm that made ready meals

Jul 31, 2023

'Unhygienic conditions' were spotted when an inspection was carried out - including a 'live mouse'

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The boss of a rodent-infested firm which supplies readymade food across the country has been handed a huge court bill of more than £7,000. 'Unhygienic conditions' were spotted when environmental health officers inspected Chatha Fresh Food Limited, in Wolverhampton.

There was evidence of mouse activity in part of the premises, in Cross Street, Bilston. Pictures released by Wolverhampton Council show a glue board with a 'live mouse' captured at the site.

A second photograph shows mouse droppings, which were found near food. Director Mandeep Singh has since ended up in court over breaches of food hygiene regulations.

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The firm is a national supplier of ready-to-eat foods. An inspection - carried out by Wolverhampton Council - found food packaging and a walk-in chiller where food was stored were contaminated with mice droppings.

The live mouse caught in a trap was within the same walk-in chiller, found during the inspection held in April last year. Singh admitted two breaches of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 for failing to have adequate procedures in place to control pests and failing to protect food against contamination likely to render the food unfit for human consumption.

The defendant was fined £667 and ordered to pay £6638 costs, along with a victim surcharge when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, August 1). Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "Poor food hygiene can cause significant illnesses and this business owner has knowingly put his customers at risk.

"This shows a shocking lack of care and responsibility and I hope other businesses take note of the court’s judgement in this case. Our environmental health officers work very hard to protect residents and consumers and I hope this sends out a strong message to food businesses that we take food hygiene very seriously in Wolverhampton."