Woolworths New Zealand has been fined $33,000 for failing to correctly control and manage a rodent infestation at one of its supermarkets in Dunedin. 

The retailer had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge under the Food Act and was sentenced at the Dunedin District Court last week after being prosecuted by New Zealand Food Safety.

An increased number of rodent sightings was reported by on-site staff starting in October 2023, but it was not properly escalated to Woolworths’ head of quality and food safety until January 2024. During this time, the store’s issues continued to escalate and became increasingly difficult to resolve.

New Zealand Food Safety collaborated with Woolworths to enhance its processes.

“Woolworths has reviewed its pest management control system and made considerable improvements,” said Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general.

“These include increasing its food safety resourcing and training, as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities within the business, so that issues can be effectively escalated.”