A catering company that provided meals to pupils at a Walthamstow secondary school has been ordered to pay a £120,000 fine following a mouse infestation in the kitchen. Environmental health officers from Waltham Forest Council discovered droppings during an inspection at Willowfield School on January 15, 2024, and immediately ordered the kitchen to shut down.
Details of the Infestation
The Pantry (UK) Limited, the company contracted to serve approximately 500 meals each day to 200 pupils and staff, pleaded guilty to all charges at Thames Magistrates' Court on March 31, 2026. District Judge Holdham imposed the fine along with additional costs, bringing the total amount to over £125,000.
Council Response
A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council stated: "This significant fine serves as a reminder to school caterers across the borough that we will not tolerate failing food safety standards. Any operator deemed to be putting the health of students and teachers at risk here in Waltham Forest will have their operation shut down and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The council emphasized that the company had failed to implement adequate pest control measures at the Blackhorse Road institution. The kitchen was found to have evidence of a mouse infestation, prompting the immediate closure order.
Previous Incident
This case follows a similar incident last month when supermarket chain Iceland was fined £300,000 after inspectors found crisp packets and crackers that had been gnawed by mice at a branch in Poplar. A mouse was also seen running around the shop floor.
Consumers can check hygiene ratings on the Food Standards Agency’s website for more information on food safety standards at local establishments.
