CDS (Superstores International Ltd), trading as The Range, pleaded guilty after failing to comply with food hygiene legislation at their store in Apsley Mills Retail Park.
On Thursday, September 25, the store was fined £66,666 at Luton Magistrates’ Court and ordered to pay an additional £15,973 for victim surcharge and costs.
Reports of a rat infestation first began in the store at in autumn 2023, after complaints from staff and customers were made.
Dacorum Borough Council’s Food, Health and Safety team served the store a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice to stop them from selling food after finding the scale of the infestation to be an imminent risk to health.
This notice was converted to a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order by a judge at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on January 10, 2024.
The company was prosecuted following the investigation, the council stating they had failed to have adequate procedures in place to control pests and to keep food premises clean.
The establishment admitted that though they had put procedures in place, they had proved to be inadequate.
Stefania Horne, Dacorum Borough Council’s strategic director for neighbourhood operations, said: “Environmental Health Officers from the Food and Health and Safety team work tirelessly, conducting inspections and investigations complaints to ensure that premises comply with food hygiene legislation.
“We will take action where required to secure compliance, including prosecution proceedings where necessary.”
Council officers have carried out 694 inspections during the past 12 months to protect public health. Residents are encouraged to check a business’ Food Hygiene Rating by visiting www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk.
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