B&M fined £2m over mice infestations

B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2m over mice infestations at three Birmingham stores where inspectors found rodent-gnawed foodstuffs and droppings near children's toys.The company was prosecuted for food hygiene offences by Birmingham City Council after complaints led to inspections being carried out between November 2024 and October 2025. Locations included St Andrew's Retail Park where officers found gnawed products on sale, the council said. Mouse infestations were also found at Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park. The council said inspections followed complaints that included one from a member of the public "who reported seeing a mouse in the shop" at Priory Square. Other transgressions there included urine contamination from rodents on food packaging and shelving, inadequate cleaning standards and structural defects allowing pest entry. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and the store was closed immediately, the council said.A further inspection took place at B&M's store at The Fort Shopping Park in Erdington on 27 October 2025 following a complaint alleging a mouse infestation. Officers found widespread evidence of mouse activity throughout the premises, including mouse droppings "in close proximity to children's toys on display", the council said. The store was also closed due to the risks posed to public health. The firm pleaded guilty to the offences at Birmingham Magistrates' Court and was fined £2m at a sentencing hearing on 13 July. B&M Retail Limited was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £18,104 and a £2,000 victim surcharge. It was told to pay the fine and costs within 28 days.