Rat-infested food shop fined over 'dire' state

A rat-infested shop where bags of dried foods were found teeming with live insects has been fined for operating under "dire and disgusting conditions".

Maje Worldwide, an African goods shop on Newport Street in Bolton town centre, was inspected by council officers in October 2023 after complaints about smells coming from it.

They found the store was in a filthy condition, as vermin had gnawed through walls , there was evidence of an insect infestation and food debris left on the floor.

Owner James Chidume pleaded guilty to nine food safety offences and was fined £2,000, and ordered to pay Bolton Council £10,000.

When officers visited the shop, they described the conditions as some of the worse they had ever encountered, a Bolton Council spokesperson said.

They said the store was found to have a strong offensive odour and was in a filthy condition.

Bags of dried foods were contaminated with live insects, while the premises had no running hot water and there was no evidence of adequate cleaning and disinfection practices being carried out.

The shop's owner was immediately served with legal notice and Mr Chidume voluntarily closed the business due to the imminent health risk.

A team of officers spent two days removing and inspecting stock, with a total of 2.7 tonnes (2,700kg) of food being destroyed, the council said.

Following repairs, implementation of pest control procedures and extensive cleaning, the shop was allowed to reopen for trade on 17 October 2023.

Bolton Councillor Richard Silvester said the costs incurred by the owner were a "significant financial hit" that would send a message to others.

"This shop was operating under dire and disgusting conditions, putting public health at serious risk, which is unacceptable," he said.

Maje Worldwide has been contacted for a response.