Confectionery company prosecuted over pest infestation

Sweet Confectionery Limited, located on Aden Road, Enfield, pleaded guilty to six food hygiene offences at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 3 April 2025. Environmental health officers uncovered an uncontrolled rodent and pigeon infestation, filthy conditions and a failure to protect food from contamination. Officers issued an emergency closure notice due to the imminent risk to public health. Despite being allowed to reopen after improvements, the premises were forced to close again just days later after further signs of mice and inadequate cleaning were found.

The company was originally fined £72,000, which was reduced to £48,000 due to an early guilty plea.

Following a partial appeal heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 28 May 2025, the fine was reduced to £10,500. However, the court upheld the guilty verdict and confirmed the company must pay £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,754.31 in costs to Enfield Council. Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services at Enfield Council, Cllr Susan Erbil, said: “The Council is supportive to local businesses and offers help and advice to local food related trades to comply with legislation.

“But unfortunately, not all related businesses follow the guidance provided to maintain acceptable standards of hygiene in food preparation and the cleanliness of their premises

“I was horrified to learn the extent of the lack of pest control measures at Sweet Confectionery Limited that were discovered by Enfield Council’s environmental health officers, and the fact the business had to be closed immediately due the dangers the premises posed to the health of consumers and the company’s employees.   

“The fine imposed by the courts was not consummate with the seriousness of this case, but unfortunately this is out of the Council’s control. The Council will continue to protect public health with all measures possible.”

The company, trading under the brand name Nawal, manufactures sweets and desserts distributed to eight of its own retail shops across London and Slough.

The investigation and enforcement actions were the result of multiple inspections by Enfield Council’s environmental health team between January and February 2024, during which a dead rat and droppings were found in a storage room and food production areas with pigeons found roosting in the upper storage area.

Accumulations of dirt and food debris were discovered in the production and storage areas along with poor cleaning and disinfection practices to equipment, surfaces and food preparation areas were also found, along with gnaw marks in the wall insulation. 

The owner received a detailed report from the Council on the improvements that were required to be made to the premises, including eradicating infestations. But rodent droppings were still present during follow-up visits.

For further information on Enfield Council’s food hygiene inspections visit: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/environment/food-safety