FoodArt UK Limited has been fined £18,335.55 after pleading guilty to four food hygiene offences following inspections at its warehouse in Brimsdown, Enfield.
Enfield Council environmental health officers discovered significant quantities of cat faeces and urine in areas where food and drinks were stored during inspections in January and February 2025.
The company, based on Lockfield Avenue, breached legal requirements relating to the cleanliness and condition of food premises and the need to keep domestic animals away from foodstuffs.
During an inspection on 28 January 2025, officers found cat faeces in aisles where drinks were stored, including areas containing bottled water and other consumer products.
The council said contamination was also found on packaging that consumers could handle directly. Some drinks bottles had fallen into aisles where cat faeces had been identified, increasing the risk of contamination.
Due to what officers described as an imminent risk to public health, the company agreed to voluntarily close the premises for cleaning and disinfection.
However, when officers returned on 17 February 2025, further problems involving cat faeces were identified. The premises was again closed for cleaning and staff training.
Company pleaded guilty
FoodArt UK Limited pleaded guilty to four charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 14 May 2026.
The court imposed a £12,000 fine, together with a £2,000 victim surcharge and £4,355.55 in council prosecution costs.
The total financial penalty was £18,335.55.
Enfield Council said cat faeces can carry bacteria and parasites including E. coli, salmonella and toxoplasmosis, which can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable people.
Cllr Elisa Morreale, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing, said the conditions discovered by environmental health officers represented a significant public health concern.
She said the council had taken immediate action by temporarily closing the premises and stressed that food businesses must maintain appropriate pest control, cleaning and maintenance procedures.
The council added that it would continue to take enforcement action against businesses that breach food safety laws and put residents’ health at risk.
