A trader at Birmingham’s Bull Ring Indoor Market faced court after environmental health officers found serious hygiene breaches at his food stall, including mouse droppings on Easter egg packaging. Birmingham Magistrates Court heard that during a routine inspection in February 2025, officers discovered mouse droppings on two boxes of Easter eggs and within two food display cases. The stall, operating under the name BME United Heritage, Arts & Culture, also had mouldy carrots and tomatoes, as well as eight packets of salmon past their use-by dates.
Further inspection revealed that various surfaces and equipment-including shelving, scales, a container, the till, fridges, and freezers-were unclean. Additionally, one food container was found to be damaged, contributing to the overall unhygienic conditions reported by the council.
Following the inspection, environmental health officers issued a hygiene improvement notice. However, subsequent visits revealed that the necessary measures to improve cleanliness were not being implemented.
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During a follow-up inspection in February 2026, company director Abdul-Kabir Abdul reportedly found it challenging to maintain composure and nearly shouted at the officers. The court was informed that Abdul expressed frustration at the frequent visits, complaining he was “always getting visits” from environmental health.
Neither Mr Abdul, aged 58, nor any representatives from BME United Heritage, Arts & Culture appeared at the hearing held on Thursday, 30 July. Both the individual and the company were found guilty in their absence on six counts under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.
Simon Mortimer, prosecuting for Birmingham City Council, noted that neither the director nor the company had previous convictions relating to food safety. He emphasised the risks mouse droppings pose, warning they can transmit food poisoning and more serious illnesses.
“He was getting visits because he has filthy premises and we were trying to assist him,” Mr Mortimer added. “It is a small business but clearly one he felt was going to be profitable.”
Magistrates fined Mr Abdul £1,100, imposed a surcharge of £440, and ordered the payment of prosecution costs totalling £1,550. Although the company was also found guilty, no separate penalty was applied.