Supermarket faces court over mouse contamination

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury’s faces court action over claims that droppings and urine from mice had contaminated shelving in one of its stores.

The store in Edinburgh’s Craigleith Road is the subject of a case which was called yesterday at the city’s sheriff court.

Crown Office lawyers have taken Sainsbury’s to court alleging mice had infested the shop and made certain foods there unfit for human consumption.

Prosecution briefs allege food for sale had markings on the package which suggested it had been chewed and gnawed open.

The business faces four charges under food safety laws.

No lawyer for Sainsbury’s was present for the hearing. Depute fiscal Anna Murphy asked Sheriff Frank Crowe for the case to be continued without plea.

The date for the next hearing was set for 18 January.

Prosecutors argue Sainsbury’s has broken the terms of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 and the European Community Act 1972.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said last night: “Our hygiene standards are extremely high and we take allegations very seriously. These charges relate to building works carried out at the store back in February, and we worked closely with our contractors and the local authority to resolve the issue at the time. We intend to defend the matter fully if the case goes to court.