‘Worst ever’ rat infestation lands grocery store with big fine

A grocery store owner in Swindon has been fined almost £30,000 for a serious rat infestation described by an environmental health officer as the worst she had ever seen.

Muthu Kumaravelu, the sole director of India Bazzar (PVT) Ltd, 103 Broad Street, pleaded guilty to six breaches of food hygiene regulations at Swindon Magistrates Court.

Inspectors reported an “overpowering” smell of rat urine and gnawed food items taped and put back on shelves when they visited in November 2023.

The business was closed down for six weeks and needed repeated visits before it could re-open.

During their visit officers noticed rat droppings on the floor and shelves and a bag of flour was on display stained with rat urine.

Gnawed electrical cables above shelving units were also found.

Officers served an emergency notice, immediately closing the business.

The court heard how there was no pest control contract in place and that Kumaravelu was self-treating the infestation with grain bait and bait blocks placed in white bowls around the shop. He informed council officers he was blocking holes in walls and doors with fishing net which he acknowledged was ineffective as the rats were gnawing around it.

He told the council he was blocking holes in walls and doors with fishing net, but the rats were gnawing around it.

Kumaravelu was fined £20,000, ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £6,479, and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

The business was fined £500, plus a victim surcharge of £200, resulting in a total of £29,179.

Simon Kiely, prosecuting for Swindon Borough Council, said: “It took six weeks and several visits for the property to be ready to re-open with the same advice given over and over.

“It is clear that Mr Kumaravelu, both on his own behalf and on behalf of the business, was clearly and evidently aware of the extensive rat infestation at the premises on and prior to 2 November 2023, but had failed to take sufficient steps to address the infestation until the prosecuting authority’s intervention.”

John Bishop, representing India Bazzar (PVT) Ltd and Kumaravelu, told the court that a lack of funds were at the root of the problem and that his client had gone to “considerable lengths” to remedy the issues, adding that he had learned a very hard lesson.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Our Environmental Health Officers found appalling conditions at this premises, as confirmed by the court, and took decisive action to protect the health of Swindon residents.
“We are pleased the court imposed such a significant sentence. I hope it sends a strong message that food hygiene needs to be taken extremely seriously.

“Food business operators should ensure their premises are protected from the impact of pests at all times, as infestations can quickly escalate, and present significant risks to both their customers and their business.”