Food warehouse fined over 'severe' rat infestation

A food warehouse has been fined after inspectors discovered a "severe and widespread" rat infestation.

Kingdom Family Limited in Milford Road, Reading, was found in 2024 to contain 400kg of unlabelled meat, unregistered businesses and food contaminated by rat urine and droppings.

After being denied access for a follow-up inspection, council food safety officers obtained a warrant, closed the premises and seized unsafe products. These included untraceable meat and sheep heads with no health markings and stored near other food.

Michael Ameyaw, 59, who owns the business, pleaded guilty to five food hygiene offences and was ordered by Reading magistrates to pay fines and costs totalling £4,220.

The council closed the site in October 2024 after witnessing a "severe and widespread rat infestation with large quantities of food gnawed and food contaminated".

The business was allowed to resume trading in December of the same year after hygiene standards were brought up to an adequate level.

However, the authority identified further issues on a follow-up inspection in April 2025, including finding frozen meat waste and prawns ready for disposal on the floor next to a toilet.

Rachel Eden, Reading Borough Council's lead councillor for public health, said conditions were "appalling" and posed a "clear risk to public health".

"Our officers acted decisively to protect residents, and we welcome the court's support in holding those responsible to account," she said.

"We will continue to monitor the premises closely and take further action where necessary to safeguard the community."