Massive fine for The Range after rat infestation

THE Range has been fined more than half a million pounds for breaking food hygiene rules, after rats were found gnawing on human and pet food at one of its stores in the South West.

The company, founded by city entrepreneur Chris Dawson, and which has its UK headquarters in Plymouth, has been fined £960,000, reduced to £640,000 for an early guilty plea, for food hygiene offences, following a successful prosecution by Somerset Council.

Investigations at The Range store in Taunton discovered both pet and human food which had been gnawed, packaging was seen to be damaged and contaminated by rats as well as rat droppings on shelves next to food in the shop area and warehouse.

Rats can spread a number of serious illnesses to humans, including E.coli, Weil’s disease and toxoplasmosis.

The business failed to control the rat activity and act upon the advice given by the council and its contracted pest control company. The business also failed to protect food from contamination and keep the premises clean and maintained in a clean condition.

Guilty pleas were entered by CDS (Superstores International) Ltd, operating as The Range Home and Leisure at Hankridge, Taunton, for seven food hygiene offences in September 2023.