Bristol food company fined £28,000 for hygiene failings and rat infestations
The unsanitary conditions posed significant risks to public health
A Bristol-based company and its director have been fined £28,000 for multiple violations of Food Safety and Hygiene laws.
Margaret Akande, director of Twiggy Foods Ltd, who ran Haven Foods Cash and Carry Ever Ready House on Narroways Road in Bristol, pleaded guilty to 14 offences at Bristol Magistrates Court.
The offences included unsanitary conditions, severe infestations of rats and mice, and contamination of food products, which posed significant risks to public health.
Councillor Stephen Williams said: “Where our officers find that basic hygiene requirements and minimum standards are not being met, we will take action to ensure that hygiene standards are achieved, and food is safe to consume.
"We cannot tolerate risks to public health through our food systems and will not allow our advice and guidance to be ignored.”
Problems were first discovered during an inspection on 8th October 2024, when evidence of rodent infestations and contaminated food were found.
The premises was closed immediately under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
Although officers provided guidance, and the store reopened on 12th November 2024, conditions deteriorated again.
In February 2025, ten Hygiene Improvement Notices were issued due to continued failings.
Standards fell once more during an inspection on 29th October 2025, revealing dirty conditions and visible rodent droppings.
Councillor Williams, continued: “Thankfully the need to prosecute businesses to achieve compliance is the exception rather than the rule, we remain vigilant and prepared to pursue legal action where a risk is not dealt with promptly.”