Discovery of mouse droppings sees Walsall wedding caterer hit with hefty environmental health fine

Walsall Catering, which specialises in Asian cuisine for all occasions and operates from Green Lane, Walsall, was brought before Dudley Magistrates Court on November 12 after a routine inspection by Walsall Council environmental health officers on November 28, 2024, found evidence of mice in and around the premises.

Ramzan Raza, aged 30, of Cairns Street, Walsall, represented the business, and was in attendance at court where he pleaded guilty to two offences of having inadequate procedures in place to control pests and failure to keep the premises in a clean state.

Magistrates heard environmental health officers arrived at the business premises while staff were preparing for an event to cater for 300 people. Droppings were found on the floor and around food storage areas, and chew marks were discovered on paper towels.

Officers deemed the conditions to pose an imminent risk to public health and served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice – forcing the business to immediately stop activity. 

Mr Raza was ordered to pay a £1,760 fine, a £704 victim surcharge, and more than £3,028 in costs. 

Councillor Adam Hicken, portfolio holder for enforcement and safe communities at Walsall Council, said, “Those planning weddings and other celebrations to mark major life events with family and friends should be able to book caterers knowing their safety is a priority - a food poisoning outbreak would be devastating for any party organiser.

“I would encourage anyone eating out, having a takeaway or booking caterers for celebrations to check the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme and ensure they only use businesses that are taking their legal responsibilities seriously.”

Walsall Catering reopened within a fortnight after the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and could demonstrate to environmental health officers that they had implemented the appropriate hygiene and safety measures.