Sunderland City Council visited Bangla Town Superstores, in Eden Terrace, Eden Vale, in October last year after officers were alerted to the fact its boss Sofina Begum had not acted on advice to tackle the problem.
They found bags of rice in the store room and dried shrimps on the shop floor had been gnawed at, while droppings were found on the floor and on food on sale on the shelves, with dead mice found during the inspection.
The business was ordered to close and called for a deep clean, remaining shut until they were satisfied the shop was safe to trade again.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court also heard the inspectors found issues about the sale of tobacco items, which were not marked up correctly.
1. Warning signs of mice
Evidence was found of food packets which had been nibbled at by mice. Photo: Sunderland City Council
2. Disgusting
This was one of the sights which Sunderland City Council environmental health officials saw during their check of the shop. Photo: Sunderland City Council
3. Clear signs of infestation
This was one of the packages of flour which had a hole it in after mice chewed away to get to the food. Photo: Sunderland City Council
4. Filthy shop floor
The inspectors found areas covered in dirt and places where mice had already eaten food for sale. Photo: Sunderland City Council