Iceland has been fined £300,000 after an inspection revealed ready-to-eat food which had been gnawed by mice and contaminated by mice droppings.
Environmental Health Officers from Tower Hamlets Council’s Regulatory Services visited the Poplar store, in Vessey Path, E14, on 8 January 2024 after a customer complained about crisp packets that had been gnawed by mice.
Officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which forced the store to close immediately after seeing evidence of the mouse infestation, including a live mouse running around the store during the inspection.
The council’s Legal Services Department prosecuted the company for four offences contrary to the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. On 24th February 2026, Iceland pleaded guilty to three charges, including failing to keep the premises clean and in good repair, and failing to have adequate procedures in place to control pests. At Thames Magistrates’ Court on 10 March 2026, District Judge Buttar imposed a £300,000 fine, plus a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,997 in costs, payable by 17 April 2026.
After extensive pest proofing and cleaning, the store was allowed to reopen on 18 January 2024. A follow up inspection on 23 April 2024 resulted in a Food Hygiene Rating of 5.
Posted on Friday 20th March 2026