The Pantry UK Limited had been contracted to serve 500 meals per day at Willowfield School until a mouse infestation in the canteen kitchen was uncovered by the council in 2024

Willowfield School, Credit: Google Streetview

A catering company serving pupils at a Walthamstow secondary school has been hit with more than £125,000 in fines and costs for food safety breaches.

An inspection by Waltham Forest Council’s environmental health officers on 15th January 2024 that uncovered a mouse infestation at Willowfield School resulted in the kitchen’s immediate closure and a hefty fine for ‘failing to put in place adequate procedures to control pests’.

The Pantry (UK) Limited – the company contracted to serve 500 meals per day to 200 pupils and staff at the Walthamstow school – pleaded guilty to all charges at Thames Magistrates Court at a hearing on Tuesday 31st March this year.

Mice droppings in the kitchen, Credit: Waltham Forest Council

District Judge Holdham ordered the catering firm to pay a fine of £120,000 plus additional costs.

A council spokesperson said: “This significant fine serves as a reminder to school caterers across the borough that we will not tolerate failing food safety standards.

“Any operator deemed to be putting the health of students and teachers at risk here in Waltham Forest will have their operation shut down and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

You can check the food hygiene rating of any food business here

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