London bakery chain fined £34,000 for severe mouse infestation in main store.

A popular and upscale bakery in London recently faced a penalty after their flagship store was discovered to have a severe mouse infestation. The store in question, Ole&Steen's Haymarket location, not only had an alarming amount of mouse droppings, but also failed to meet basic hygiene standards. In January 2025, environmental health officers from Westminster City Council conducted a routine inspection at the bakery.

Upon their visit, they found evidence of mice throughout the food preparation and storage areas. This was not the first time the bakery was made aware of the issue, as another pest control contractor had already brought it to their attention. However, no effective measures were taken to address the problem.

Aside from the pest infestation, the bakery was also found to have poor food hygiene practices, which put customers at risk of cross-contamination. As a result, the company pleaded guilty to failing to protect their food from contamination and for not having proper hygiene controls in place. They were fined £26,000 and ordered to pay £8,847 in costs.

Councillor Caroline Sargent, deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, expressed her disappointment in the bakery's neglect for public safety. She stated, "We expect the highest standards of food hygiene for our residents and visitors, and we will not tolerate any shortcuts when it comes to safety." She also hopes that this prosecution will serve as a warning to other establishments that the council will not turn a blind eye to such violations. A spokesperson for Ole&Steen told The Sun that the conditions at their St James's Market store had fallen below their standards in late 2024.

The store was immediately closed to address the issue and reopened two days later. The council visited during this time and awarded the store with 4 stars for hygiene and cleanliness. The spokesperson also reassured customers that the company remains committed to maintaining the highest food safety and hygiene standards across all their stores.

In the end, it is crucial for businesses to prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers. Neglecting basic hygiene standards and allowing pest infestations to occur can have serious consequences. Let this be a reminder to always take proper measures to ensure the cleanliness and safety of any establishment.