UK discount retailer fined £2 million for mouse infestation

A major UK discount retailer has been fined 2 million pounds after three of its Birmingham stores were found to have severe mouse infestations, with evidence of rodent activity discovered near children's toys and on food products. The penalty was imposed by Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 13, 2026, following a series of inspections that led to the emergency closure of each location.

The company, BM Retail Ltd, pleaded guilty to food hygiene offences. In addition to the fine, the court ordered the firm to pay prosecution costs of 18,104 pounds and a 2,000 pound victim surcharge, with all payments due within 28 days.

The issues first came to light in late 2024 after Birmingham City Council's Environmental Health Service received complaints from shoppers. On November 11, 2024, inspectors at the St Andrews Retail Park store found gnawed food products still on sale and widespread mouse droppings. The conditions were deemed so serious that a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, forcing the store's immediate closure.

A second store, located at Priory Square Shopping Centre, was shut down on January 22, 2025, after a customer reported seeing a mouse. Inspectors...