Food factory fined for mouse droppings

ELN: A national yoghurt and Asian dairy sweet manufacturer based in Tower Hamlets was fined nearly £6,000 after mouse droppings were found in its factory.

Tower Hamlets Council took Mr Das, the owner of Euroversal Limited to court after they discovered a mouse infestation at the premise during a routine inspection on 22 February, 2010. During the site visit officers uncovered a large number of mouse droppings on shelves, food packaging, and even in food.

Due to the infestation and the fact that they did not have the correct food safety documentation in place, the council had to issue a national recall of their product range. The recall was put into effect immediately to retrieve any potentially contaminated food with a view to its safe destruction. Euroversal Ltd has been in trouble with the Council for similar issues in the past.

David Tolley, Environmental Health (Commercial) Manager, said: “We want residents and visitors to the borough to be able to enjoy their food safe in the knowledge that it has been produced, stored and prepared in a hygienic manner.

“National cases like these not only safeguard the health of our residents, but also have wider impact to the country as a whole.”

Das pleaded guilty to six food hygiene offences on Friday 6 May at Thames Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £5,730.

Tower Hamlets Environmental Health is making this message even more visible to the public with the implementation of their new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

The council introduced the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme this month to make it easier for residents and visitors to decide where to buy their food from. Food businesses, such as cafes, restaurants and supermarkets are now being assessed to national hygiene, with their scores highlighted on the Food Standards Agency website (www.food.gov.uk/ratings).

Scores range from 0-5, where 0 is for urgent improvement needed and 5 is very good. The council is encouraging businesses to display their scores.

If you have any concerns about food premises in Tower Hamlets or if you want any more information regarding the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme the Environmental Health Commercial Team are available by calling 0207 364 5008 or by e-mailing to : foodsafety@towerhamlets.gov.uk.