All images credited to Liverpool Echo Syndication
Poundland is a staple of the UK town centre. If you need thirty lighters, twelve AAA batteries, and an umbrella that’s got a lifespan shorter than Gemma Collins’ wicker furniture then boy is it the place for you. All jokes aside, it’s actually bit of a lifesaver. No one wants to pay a lot of cash for things like dog treats or baked beans and poundland is always there to offer a more reasonable alternative to places like Tesco that mark a lot of these items up for no real good reason.
But uh… after reading this latest bit of news I might not be so likely to buy food from there in the future. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like you go to poundland to buy fresh produce but still, this bit of information won’t exactly inspire hope.
A Liverpool magistrate has recently fined Poundland £40,000 after it was discovered that one of their stores was contaminated with mouse droppings.
The store, located in St John’s Shopping Precinct, was undergoing an inspection by environmental health officers when their investigation revealed the existence of mouse poo on the store shelves. Worst of all, the poo was found close to edible products like sweets, crisps, biscuits and baby food.
That last one has to be a PR nightmare.
One of the inspectors told the press,
“Officers were concerned to find widespread evidence of mouse activity throughout the store having provided advice just four days earlier that all areas ought to be checked thoroughly, and remedial action taken.
“Again, it was felt that there was a risk of harm however that risk was present throughout the premises on this occasion. Managers on site agreed to prohibit all food storage within the premises.
“Poundland were informed that the prohibition would remain in place until such a time that the issues were rectified and officers were satisfied that there was no longer an imminent risk to health.”
Believe it or not Poundland has had three prior convictions for similar offences. Something you should bear in mind when reading the following heartfelt apology by a Poundland spokesman,
“As we said last month, we’re sorry this happened. We’re grateful that the judge recognised this morning that we took the issues seriously and that we took action when we realised the extent of the problem. We aspire to have nothing less than the highest standards in our stores. There’s no one more disappointed than us when we don’t meet those standards.”
No Mr Spokesman, no one is as disappointed as the people who’ve been eating your poo covered Haribos.
