A wedding catering company in Walsall has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 after a court heard how environmental health officers discovered mouse droppings and chew marks during a routine inspection.
Imminent Risk to Public Health
Environmental health officers visited Walsall Catering, based on Green Lane, on November 28 last year. During their inspection, they made alarming discoveries, including rodent faeces on the floor and around food storage areas. They also found chew marks on paper towels at the premises.
The situation was particularly concerning as the business was actively preparing to cater for an event for 300 people when officers arrived. Due to the unsanitary conditions posing an imminent risk to public health, the council immediately served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, forcing the caterer to cease all operations instantly.
Court Hearing and Financial Penalty
The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court on November 12. Ramzan Raza, 30, of Cairns Street, Walsall, represented the business, which specialises in Asian cuisine for events. He pleaded guilty to two offences: having inadequate procedures in place to control pests and failing to keep the premises in a clean condition.
The court handed down a significant financial penalty. Raza was ordered to pay a £1,760 fine, a £704 victim surcharge, and more than £3,028 in costs, creating a total court bill exceeding £5,500.
Council Warning to Consumers
Following the hearing, Councillor Adam Hicken, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for enforcement and safe communities, issued a stark warning. He emphasised that people planning major life events like weddings should be confident that their caterer prioritises safety, as a food poisoning outbreak would be devastating.
He strongly encouraged the public to check the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme before eating out, ordering a takeaway, or booking caterers for celebrations, ensuring they only use businesses that take their legal responsibilities seriously.
The business, Walsall Catering, was able to reopen within a fortnight of the prohibition notice being served. This was after it demonstrated to environmental health officers that it had implemented the appropriate hygiene and safety measures.
