The rat droppings were found at the natural sweets shelf at Stora Coop at Asecs in Jönköping, during a check on September 4.
– On that occasion, we found a small amount of droppings on the floor in the store, and in three places in the warehouse, says Maria Borg, environmental and health protection inspector at the municipality.
They were informed that the store staff would clean up the droppings, and that they thought the rat poo was old. On a follow-up visit a month later, however, even more rat droppings were found in the warehouse – and a dead rodent that the store staff themselves had not discovered.
– We also noticed that one of the doors in the warehouse was not tight on the sides, where we judged that rats could get in, says Maria Borg.
“Must not have rodents in the shop”
Now the municipality has decided on a running fine of SEK 20,000 for every time rat droppings are found in the store, reports the Siren news agency. A decision has also been taken on a running fine of SEK 20,000 if the doors to the warehouse are not sealed.
– We judged that it has not been taken seriously. That is why we feel it is necessary, says Maria Borg.
Therese Knapp, press secretary at Coop, says that the store will introduce new measures to overcome the pest problems.
– We should not have rodents visit the store. It is something that the store is working to remove as quickly as possible, she says.
Will make a return visit
The doors to the warehouse will be sealed and a door that store staff believe was the way in for the rodents will be replaced.
– We have also had a cleaning company that has set traps in several places, says Knapp.
The store has previously had problems with pests. In 2022, it was discovered that mice had entered, but Knapp emphasizes that they have not had rodents in the store since then, until it was discovered during the inspection in September.
The Environmental and Health Protection Board will now make a return visit to the store. In order for the decision on a running fine to be lifted, it is required that they visit the store on two occasions without finding any rat droppings, and that the doors from the warehouse are sealed.