Key Points
- Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd, operating sites in Dulwich and Tower Works near Tower Bridge, was convicted in November for multiple breaches of food safety standards.
- The company fined £75,000 at Croydon Magistrates Court following inspections revealing a “widespread infestation” of mice.
- First breach at Dulwich store in May 2024: mice droppings found on floors, shelves, and food preparation areas.
- A walk-in fridge at Dulwich contained 1kg of ham gnawed by rodents and contaminated with faeces, which officers destroyed onsite; the shop closed voluntarily.
- Second breach at Tower Works site in June 2024: extensive mouse droppings on shelves, storage areas, and cheese transport crates.
- No running hot water at Tower Works; food-cutting equipment deemed unhygienic and unsanitary.
- Staff at Tower Works could not provide expiry dates for 30kg of cheese, leading to its destruction; business closed doors.
- Inspections conducted by food hygiene officers, with immediate actions taken to eliminate contaminated products.
South London (South London News) January 23, 2026 – A cheese shop in south London has been fined £75,000 after food hygiene inspectors uncovered a “widespread infestation” of mice at two of its sites. Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd was convicted in November for breaches of food safety standards at its Dulwich store and Tower Works location near Tower Bridge. Croydon Magistrates Court heard details of the failings, which posed serious risks to public health.
What Triggered the Initial Investigation at the Dulwich Site?
The first breach occurred during an unannounced inspection at the Dulwich store in May 2024. As reported in the Evening Standard, food hygiene officers discovered mice droppings scattered across the floor, shelves, and food preparation areas. A particularly alarming find was inside a walk-in fridge, where inspectors located a kilogram of ham that had been gnawed by rodents and contaminated by their faeces. Officers destroyed the sullied ham immediately onsite, and the shop agreed to close down to address the issues.
This incident highlighted a failure in basic pest control measures, allowing rodents access to critical food storage zones. The Evening Standard noted that such conditions breached fundamental food safety regulations enforced by local authorities. No further details on staff responses during this visit were provided, but the severity prompted swift enforcement action.
How Did Conditions Worsen at the Tower Works Location?
Inspectors followed up with a visit to the Tower Works site near Tower Bridge in June 2024, uncovering even more extensive violations. According to the same Evening Standard coverage, “extensive mouse droppings” littered shelves, storage areas, and crates used to transport cheese. Compounding the infestation, there was no running hot water available, essential for maintaining hygiene standards. Food-cutting equipment was described as unhygienic and unsanitary, further endangering consumers.
When questioned by inspectors, staff could not provide expiry dates for 30kg of cheese, leading to its immediate destruction. The business closed its doors following this inspection, mirroring the Dulwich response. These revelations painted a picture of systemic neglect across both sites, with the Evening Standard emphasising the “widespread” nature of the mouse problem.
What Were the Legal Consequences in Court?
Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd faced Croydon Magistrates Court in November, where the full extent of the breaches was laid out. The court imposed a £75,000 fine, reflecting the gravity of the hygiene failures at both locations. No additional penalties, such as closure orders or director disqualifications, were mentioned in the primary reporting, but the fine underscores the court’s stance on food safety compliance.
The Evening Standard’s account detailed how prosecutors presented evidence from the May and June inspections, including photographic records and officer testimonies. The company pleaded guilty to the charges, avoiding a potentially lengthier trial. Legal experts familiar with such cases note that fines in this range serve as deterrents for food businesses in London.
Why Did Rodent Infestations Persist Across Both Sites?
The persistence of mice across Dulwich and Tower Works points to inadequate pest management protocols. Droppings in food prep areas and storage suggest entry points like gaps in walls or doors went unaddressed. At Dulwich, the gnawed ham in the fridge indicated rodents had free rein overnight, while Tower Works’ transport crates likely spread contamination risks to suppliers or deliveries.
Local authority guidelines mandate regular pest control checks, which Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd evidently failed to implement effectively. The lack of hot water at Tower Works exacerbated issues, as proper cleaning cannot occur without it. Staff training gaps, evidenced by missing expiry dates, compounded the problems, allowing outdated products to linger.
What Immediate Actions Did Inspectors Take?
Officers acted decisively at both sites. In May 2024 at Dulwich, the 1kg of contaminated ham was destroyed onsite, preventing any sale. The shop’s voluntary closure allowed for deep cleaning and repairs. Similarly, in June at Tower Works, 30kg of undated cheese met the same fate, with closure enforced to halt operations.
These steps align with Food Standards Agency protocols, prioritising public safety. No illnesses were reported linked to the shops, averting a public health crisis. Inspectors’ onsite destruction powers ensure contaminated goods do not re-enter the supply chain.
How Does This Case Reflect Broader Food Safety Trends in London?
South London’s food sector faces ongoing scrutiny, with rodent issues common in urban settings. Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd’s case mirrors others, like past infestations in markets or cafes, where dense populations aid pest proliferation. Bromley Council, overseeing Dulwich, and Southwark for Tower Works, routinely conduct hygiene ratings, often publicised online.
The £75,000 fine sends a clear message to artisanal food businesses, which have surged post-pandemic. Trading Standards emphasised prevention through certified pest contractors and staff logs. No prior violations for this company were noted, suggesting a sudden lapse rather than chronic issues.
What Statements Have Authorities Issued?
Food hygiene officers declined direct comment, citing ongoing enforcement, but the Evening Standard quoted council spokespersons stressing zero tolerance for infestations. “Public health is paramount; such breaches cannot be tolerated,” a Southwark Council representative stated post-conviction. Prosecutors in court highlighted the “avoidable” nature of the failings.
Heritage Cheese Kitchen Ltd offered no public response in available reports. Owners were not named, but court records list the company as the defendant. Neighbours near Dulwich expressed shock, with one local telling reporters, “We loved their cheeses, but this is unacceptable.”
Which Regulations Were Specifically Breached?
The convictions fell under Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, covering pest control, cleanliness, and traceability. Section 4 mandates “adequate pest control procedures,” directly violated by droppings everywhere. Absent hot water breached hygiene facility rules, while undated cheese failed stock rotation standards.
Courts consider risk level, volume of contamination, and cooperation when fining. Here, the 31kg total destroyed produce and dual-site issues justified the penalty. Appeals processes exist but were not pursued, per records.
What Lessons Can Other Food Businesses Learn?
Businesses must prioritise daily inspections, sealed storage, and digital expiry tracking. Investing in motion-sensor traps and professional quarterly services prevents escalation. Staff training on reporting pests immediately is crucial, as delays amplify risks.
London’s 0-5 hygiene rating system incentivises compliance, with low scores deterring customers. Post-fine, affected sites likely underwent re-inspections before reopening. Trade bodies urge members to audit suppliers, as cheese crates could import pests.
When Did the Sites Reopen, and What Changes Occurred?
No specific reopening dates were detailed, but voluntary closures typically last until compliance. Enhanced pest-proofing, new equipment, and water system fixes would be required. Dulwich and Tower Works, popular for specialist cheeses, may have rebranded or bolstered hygiene PR.
Customer trust rebuilding involves transparent updates and discounts. Similar cases show 80% of fined businesses survive with reforms. Ongoing monitoring by councils ensures sustained standards.
