B&M hit with huge fine as mouse infestation and droppings found in UK stores

B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2 million by Birmingham City Council over multiple instances of mouse infestations at three of its stores in Birmingham. Inspectors discovered rodent-gnawed food items and droppings near children’s toys during routine checks conducted between November 2024 and October 2025. The fines were issued following food hygiene violations, with the council prosecuting the retailer for failing to maintain appropriate sanitation standards. The affected locations include St Andrew’s Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre, and The Fort Shopping Park in Erdington. At St Andrew’s Retail Park, officials found food products that had been damaged by mice, while at Priory Square, there were reports of a mouse sighting. The store was closed immediately after a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served. Officers noted urine contamination on food packaging and shelving, alongside poor cleaning practices and structural flaws that allowed pests to enter. At The Fort Shopping Park, a second inspection occurred on 27 October 2025, prompted by a complaint about a mouse infestation. During this visit, staff observed extensive signs of mouse activity, including droppings located near children’s toys displayed for sale. As a result, the store was again shut down to mitigate public health risks. These findings underscored the severity of the situation and the need for urgent corrective measures. B&M expressed regret over the identified shortcomings and acknowledged that the procedures in place were not properly executed. The company stated that it takes full responsibility for the lapses and emphasized that such failures were unacceptable. A representative confirmed that the company had implemented “comprehensive action” to improve its operations, including heightened managerial supervision, expanded pest-control services, new digital monitoring systems, and more frequent third-party inspections. The council’s enforcement actions were supported by local councillor Sam Forsyth, who chairs the Licensing and Public Protection Committee. She highlighted that the conditions found in the stores were “unacceptable” and necessitated immediate action to safeguard public health. Forsyth stressed that the hefty fine serves as a warning to all businesses in Birmingham that they must uphold their duty to ensure safe and hygienic environments for customers. In response to the allegations, B&M reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards of food safety and cleanliness. The company outlined plans to enhance its internal controls and ensure consistent adherence to best practices. These steps aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforce the importance of rigorous compliance with regulatory requirements. The incident has sparked discussions among local authorities and retail sector professionals about the necessity of stringent oversight in food service establishments. With ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the infestations, the focus remains on preventing recurrence and ensuring that customer safety remains a top priority. The outcome of this case will likely influence future policies and practices within the retail industry, particularly concerning pest management and hygiene protocols.