Mohammed Shafique Uddin, director of Sonali Supermarket on Lozells Road in Handsworth, Birmingham, has admitted to multiple failures in controlling a rodent infestation and protecting food from contamination at his store.
During a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 27 August, Uddin pleaded guilty to six charges against the company relating to breaches of the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013. He also admitted to six corresponding charges made personally against him as director.
Legal representatives for Uddin requested an adjournment to collect essential documents, including company accounts, ahead of sentencing. This request was granted, and sentencing has been scheduled for Thursday, 24 September.
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The charges detail a series of serious health and safety failings. These include a failure to keep the premises clean and maintained in good repair; inadequate procedures to prevent food contamination due to rodent activity; and a lack of effective pest control measures, which resulted in extensive evidence of a rodent infestation throughout the supermarket.
Further allegations state that the premises were not maintained to prevent pest access, citing issues such as gaps in external doors, defective structural openings, missing ceiling tiles, and an open drain. The company was also accused of failing to implement and maintain a permanent hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system designed to ensure food safety.
Lastly, the company was charged with failing to notify the relevant competent authority about the establishment’s involvement in food production, processing, and distribution stages.
The case remains adjourned pending sentencing, which will take place late next month.