Discount retailer B&M Retail Ltd has been ordered to pay a £2 million fine following severe food hygiene breaches at three of its Birmingham branches. The substantial penalty, handed down by Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 13 July 2026, comes after inspections revealed widespread mouse infestations, gnawed foodstuffs, and rodent droppings, some found disturbingly close to children's toys.
Birmingham City Council initiated the prosecution after receiving multiple complaints, prompting environmental health officers to carry out inspections between November 2024 and October 2025. The affected stores included St Andrew's Retail Park, where officers discovered gnawed products still on sale. Further investigations at the Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park in Erdington uncovered extensive evidence of mouse activity, leading to immediate closures due to the significant risks posed to public health.
At the Priory Square store, inspectors documented urine contamination from rodents on food packaging and shelving, alongside inadequate cleaning standards and structural defects that facilitated pest entry. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, resulting in the immediate closure of the branch. Similar findings at The Fort Shopping Park, following a complaint in October 2025, also led to its immediate closure after officers found mouse droppings near children's toys.
B&M Retail Ltd pleaded guilty to the offences. In a statement, the company expressed profound regret, stating it was "deeply sorry for the failings identified" and had taken "full responsibility." The retailer acknowledged that while food safety and pest control procedures were in place, they were not followed, describing these failures as "unacceptable."
Councillor Sam Forsyth, chair of Birmingham's Licensing and Public Protection Committee, commented that residents rightly expect high standards from businesses. She emphasised that the conditions found were "unacceptable and required immediate intervention to protect the public," adding that the substantial court penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences and sends a clear message to businesses about their responsibilities. In addition to the fine, B&M was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £18,104 and a £2,000 victim surcharge.