ONE DISGUSTED customer – disgusted because the crisps he had bought had been gnawed by mice – reported his discovery to Tower Hamlets Council. And the Council sprang into action to follow up the complaint.
The purchase was made two years ago, in January 2024. Environmental Health officers went to the shop – the branch of Iceland in Chrisp Street market – on 8th January 2026. They found more food which had been gnawed by mice, as well as mouse droppings. And during their visit, a live mouse came out of its hiding place and scampered round, as if it was showing off.
The Council Environmental Health officers immediately handed Iceland a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, which made it close is doors to customers. Iceland conducted a thorough clean and pest-proofed the shop. The store was permitted to open again on 18th January 2024. The Council team carried out a further inspection in April 2024, after which the store was given a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 (the highest score).
Isn’t this old news? Yes, in terms of what happened in Iceland it is. But the facts of the incident have now come to light because Tower Hamlets Council also prosecuted Iceland for four offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. On 24th February 2026 – this year! – Iceland pleaded guilty to three charges, including failing to keep the premises clean and in good repair, and failing to have adequate procedures to control pests.
At Thames Magistrates’ Court on 10th March, the penalties were announced. District Judge Buttar fined Iceland £300,000. The company also had to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,997 in legal costs.
Everyone’s thanks are due to the customer who reported the problem in the first place – and to the Council for acting quickly, and for prosecuting Iceland. It is hoped that the large fine will encourage other shops to get their act together and protect their customers.
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