Taunton superstore handed huge fine after rat infestation
The Range has been handed a fine of over £600,000 following an 8-month investigation by council officers
A superstore in Taunton has been fined hundreds of thousands of pounds - after pleading guilty to seven food hygiene offences.
Officers first received a complaint in March 2022 about a severe rat infestation, which led to an 8 month long investigation by Somerset Council.
The Range have been told to pay £640,000 - down from £960,000 after an early guilty plea by the firm - as food was being sold that could have caused a 'imminent risk to health'.
During their investigations, officers conducted more than 20 visits, which resulted in an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice being served in August 2022 to prohibit them selling food for human consumption.
It's as they found both pet and human food was found that had been gnawed, and packaging was seen to be damaged and contaminated by rats.
They also spotted rat droppings on shelves next to food in the shop area and in the warehouse.
The Notice was made into an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Order by the Magistrates Court in September 2022.
It was then found that food was being sold in contravention to the Order which could have caused an imminent risk to health.
CDS (Superstores International) Ltd, operating as The Range Home and Leisure at Hankridge, Taunton, admitted to seven food hygiene offences in September 2023.
The sentencing hearing was adjourned to 4 December this year where the fine was issued, and the business was ordered to pay £190 surcharge and £26,593 – the full cost to Somerset Council for taking this case to court.
Rats can spread a number of serious illnesses to humans, such as E.coli, Weil’s Disease and Toxoplasmosis.
It was found that the business failed to control the rats and act upon the advice given by the council and their contracted pest control company.
The business also failed to protect food from contamination and keep the premises clean and maintained in a clean condition.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture said: "The fine imposed by the court recognises the significance of the rat infestation in the business and the potential this had to cause harm to human health.
"Environmental Health Officers across Somerset work hard to ensure food businesses are compliant with food safety legislation and will take enforcement action where necessary in line with the Somerset Council Enforcement Policy"
Residents or visitors to the area can check the food hygiene rating of a business by visiting the Government's food ratings website and any food safety concerns can be reported by visiting the Somerset Council website or calling 0300 123 2224.