B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2 million over serious food hygiene offences at three stores in Birmingham, according to Birmingham City Council. The company pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court and was sentenced on 13 July 2026. The prosecution, brought by the council following complaints from the public, highlights the enforcement of food safety standards in the retail sector.
The Offences
Between November 2024 and October 2025, Birmingham City Council's environmental health service carried out inspections at three B&M stores after receiving complaints. At St Andrew's Retail Park, officers found mouse droppings and gnawed products on sale. Similar mouse infestations were discovered at Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park. One complaint came from a member of the public who reported seeing a mouse in the Priory Square shop, the council said.
The council stated that the company had failed to maintain adequate hygiene standards, putting customers at risk. The offences relate to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, which requires food business operators to ensure that premises are kept clean and free of pests.
Penalties and Costs
Birmingham Magistrates' Court imposed the following penalties:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fine | £2,000,000 |
| Prosecution costs | £18,104 |
| Victim surcharge | £2,000 |
| Total payable | £2,020,104 |
The court ordered B&M Retail Ltd to pay the full amount within 28 days of the sentencing hearing on 13 July.
Compliance Implications for Retailers
This case serves as a strong reminder for all food retail businesses of the importance of rigorous hygiene compliance. Under UK food safety law, businesses are subject to inspection by local authority environmental health officers. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines, prosecution costs, and reputational damage.
Key compliance steps for retailers include:
- Regular pest control inspections and documentation.
- Staff training on food hygiene and reporting procedures.
- Immediate correction of any hygiene issues identified during inspections.
- Cooperation with local authorities and prompt response to complaints.
B&M Retail Ltd's failure to prevent infestations across multiple stores indicates a systemic issue rather than a one-off lapse, which likely influenced the severity of the penalty. The £2 million fine is one of the larger penalties for food hygiene offences in the UK retail sector in recent years.
For compliance officers and legal teams advising retail clients, this case underscores the need for robust food safety management systems and proactive engagement with environmental health services. Any business handling food products must ensure that premises are maintained to prevent pest access and that any complaints are investigated and remedied swiftly to avoid escalation to prosecution.
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