A bakery in south London has been fined more than £8,500 after a mouse infestation and a build-up of dirt, grime and mould was uncovered during a routine inspection.
Food safety inspectors made the shocking discovery at Bloomers Bakery in Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon, on June 26 last year.
Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard officials found examples of poor cleanliness, dirty food preparation areas and no procedures to implement a food safety management system.
Just days later, on July 1, evidence of a mouse infestation and dirty conditions were found at the bakery’s main premises in Tait Road, which led to a voluntary closure agreement being served.
The inspector also found dark green mould and algae on the inside of bread making equipment, a build-up of dust and dirt on the floors, walls and equipment and surfaces were covered in food debris, dirt and grime.
The premises was revisited the following day and standards were found to have improved, giving the bakery the all-clear to be reopened.
Derek Carpenter, head of company operations, and his wife Emma Carpenter, who represented the company, admitted seven charges for offences between June 26 and July 1 last year.
The company was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £8,595 at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 17.
District Judge Andrew Sweet said: “The photographs don’t make pleasant viewing, and you accept that you were the person ultimately in control of these premises.
“You were dealing with food, such as bread, that is not very usually wrapped. I’ve taken into account the steps you’ve taken to rectify.”
The company also failed to register the main bakery as premises that carries out food production, processing and distribution of food.
Croydon councillor Mark Watson said: “This is an established Croydon bakery, serving many members of the community, and it’s disappointing that standards were allowed to fall to such a degree.
“Our food safety team worked to put matters right and it’s heartening to note the comments of the district judge who realised the potential danger to customers and imposed a suitably severe financial penalty.”
