The country‘s third largest grocer has been handed a hefty fine after breaching numerous food safety laws at its home delivery depot in north London.
Asda has been fined £300,000 following the discovery of a mouse and fly infestation at its delivery warehouse in Enfield.
The grocer admitted to three food safety hygiene breaches at the location in Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in January.
Mouse droppings, gnawed packets of sugar and cereal and dead rodents were discovered during a council investigation at the site, which distributes online orders to consumers across London and Essex.
Asda was ordered to pay the £300,000 fine and £4843 in legal costs on Friday.
READ MORE: Poundland fined £134,000 after mouse droppings found on box of sweets
“It beggars belief that a national retailer would allow food to be stored in an environment where rodents are running riot,” Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment said Daniel Anderson said.
“It is simply unacceptable for customers to be exposed to the potential risk of harm because a company cannot get its house in order and store foodstuff in a safe and hygienic manner.
“I am therefore pleased that magistrates have taken a tough stance and issued a heavy penalty.
“Hopefully it will send out a strong message to all retailers that we will not tolerate them being less than properly vigilant and ensuring their staff abide by their own stated hygiene policies to protect the health and well-being of their customers.”
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