A fruit and vegetable importer from South London has been fined more than £100,000 after inspectors discovered appalling hygiene conditions that endangered public health. K Veg Wholesale Ltd, based in Ullswater Crescent, Coulsdon, was found to have pigeon droppings, rat droppings, and gnawed food in its warehouse during inspections by Croydon Council’s food safety team.
Inspections Reveal Severe Hygiene Failures
The council reported “very little evidence” that the company took adequate steps to protect food from pest infestation. Pest control measures were absent, basic hygiene practices were ignored, and food was left unprotected, creating significant risks for consumers. The company, a large importer and distributor supplying wholesalers, retailers, and shops across the UK, faced multiple hygiene improvement notices, all of which it failed to comply with.
Court Proceedings and Penalties
At Croydon Magistrates’ Court, the District Judge noted that the conditions at the premises would highly likely have caused customers to experience ill health. Company director Vettivelu Thiraviyathasan pleaded guilty on behalf of the business. The court imposed a fine of £100,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000, and full costs of £5,097.37, totalling £107,097.37.
Mayor’s Zero-Tolerance Stance
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, stated: “We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to businesses that put our residents’ health at risk through poor food hygiene standards. Our food safety team works hard to protect residents and support businesses to operate within the law. Where businesses ignore repeated warnings and fail to meet basic standards, we will take enforcement action and will not hesitate to prosecute. Residents deserve to feel proud and confident in the businesses serving their communities.”
Croydon residents can report unsafe food practices by emailing food.safety@croydon.gov.uk.
