Would You Like Sprinkles on That? Mouse Droppings Found in Dudley Coffee Shop

The owners of a Dudley coffee shop have been convicted of food hygiene offences after mouse droppings were found on the premises.

Soho Coffee Shops Limited (t/a Soho Coffee Company) admitted three breaches of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, when it appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

Magistrates heard that an officer from Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council inspected the company's premises at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Brierley Hill, in March 2023. The council was acting in response to reports of pest activity at the premises.

The officer found mouse droppings throughout the premises, including the washing up and storage areas. The premises was made subject to an emergency prohibition order until urgent remedial action was completed.

The company admitted failing to complete pest checks, failing to keep the premises in good repair and condition and failing to put in place adequate pest control procedures.

It was fined £4,900 and ordered to pay £1,960 surcharge and £1,225 towards prosecution and investigation costs.

Councillor James Clinton, Dudley Council's portfolio holder for public health, said: "During an officer's visit to Soho Coffee premises at Merry Hill last year, mouse droppings were found in the food rooms - putting the consumers of such food at risk of injury to health.

"We had no choice but to temporarily close the premises, but I am pleased the business has accepted full responsibility and has since worked closely with us to ensure food hygiene standards are carefully adhered to."

A spokesman for Soho Coffee Shops Limited said: "SCSL is disappointed to have fallen short of the high standards it expects across all stores in this instance.

"Senior management immediately engaged with Dudley Council in this matter and have been highly cooperative with all parties.

"The Merry Hill store received a 5-star food hygiene rating at the inspection immediately after this incident. It has also received a further 5-star food hygiene rating earlier this year."

As mentioned, the premises currently holds a 5-star food hygiene rating. It was most recently inspected on 5th March 2024.