A city food business which was found to be trading despite an active rat infestation has been successfully prosecuted by City of Wolverhampton Council.

Environmental health officers investigated Sweet Elohim Afro Market in Lichfield Street after a member of the public contacted them with concerns.

Officers discovered rat droppings throughout the store, which was selling fruit and vegetables in open boxes as well as other food in packets, tins and jars.

Evidence of the significant infestation was also found where the open food was handled and ready to eat packaged food was stored.

Officers immediately closed the premises, and it was only allowed to re-open once it was determined that the immediate risk to health had been removed.

Georgina Konadu, director of Sweet Elohim Afro Market, pleaded guilty to two breaches of The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Dudley Magistrates Court on Wednesday 12 February.

The same charges were brought against the business, and guilty pleas were also entered. The offences took place in November 2023.

The business was fined £2,680, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,072 and £4,584 in costs. Konadu was fined £1,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and £1,500 in costs.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Our residents should be able to trust that the places where they buy food have the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

“In this thoroughly unpleasant case, evidence of the rat infestation was found throughout the premises. This caused a risk of significant illness in customers, and we had no choice but to close the premises until it was deemed safe.

“We do not take the decision to prosecute or close a business lightly. It is however necessary when public safety has been compromised and I hope it serves as a strong reminder to other businesses that these issues are taken seriously.

“We are grateful to the member of the public who contacted us and enabled our environmental health officers to swiftly close the premises. If any residents have concerns about food businesses in the city, please report details to us at environmental.health@wolverhampton.gov.uk