Source: Radio New Zealand
Dunedin South Woolworths supermarket was closed for nearly three weeks due to a rat problem. RNZ / Tess Brunton
Woolworths New Zealand has pleaded guilty to failing to properly deal with a rat infestation at its Dunedin South supermarket.
The company appeared at the Dunedin District Court before Judge David Robinson on Thursday charged with breaching the Food Act.
The supermarket was closed for almost three weeks in February last year to eliminate the pests, after they were discovered in late 2023.
More than 20 rats were caught during the closure, and old nests were found in the walls.
The charges were brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries after an investigation.
Counsel for MPI said the company faced a penalty of around $50,000-$55,000.
At the time the charge was laid, New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said Woolworths had failed to ensure a significant rodent infestation was promptly identified and escalated in accordance with its food control plan.
Woolworths New Zealand is due to be sentenced in March next year.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
