After a complaint that someone had seen rats at the loading dock, Willys in Köping was greeted by representatives from the Environmental Administration last week.
– They were worried if a rat had gotten in, says environmental inspector Anna Rosén, who was one of the inspectors who visited the site.
Poop under the bake-off bread
During the inspection, it turned out that the caller’s fears were correct. The rodents had entered both the warehouse and the store, leaving clear traces behind.
Large amounts of droppings were noted at the bake off bread station. Here the mice had feasted on bread that was behind the oven. According to the report, it was “clear that rodents had eaten the bread.”
Large amounts of mouse droppings were visible in all cold rooms. Food without packaging was also kept open in the rooms.
Dead mouse under the nuts
Not only that there was poop everywhere in the warehouse. Inside the store, a dead mouse was found on the floor under the nut shelf section.
In a cold room where unpackaged vegetables were stored, inspectors found more mouse droppings.
In the room, washing-up liquid powder was also lying open in a pile on the floor. The protocol states that there is a “risk that rodents can transfer chemicals to the food”.
After the visit, environmental inspector Anna Rosén and her colleagues instructed Willys to take a number of measures. Among other things, they demand that the store clean up all waste and that “there are no dead rodents in the food premises”.
– Our experience is that they have been polite in the past, so I can say that I was quite surprised, she says.
The last time the shop was visited by inspectors was in August. Then they also received remarks on the cleaning of the premises.
– Back then there were shortcomings in cleanliness, but not at all to the extent as now.
Willys: Worst imaginable that you can face
When TV4 Nyheterna comes into contact with Willys, they are visited by inspectors who will determine whether there will be more reprisals. Communications manager Johanna Eurén says that they have been busy since Friday with cleaning.
– This is the worst thing imaginable that you can face as a grocery store, she says.
She says that the store is being remodeled. They are installing new coolers.
– That makes the situation a bit messy. But, it shouldn’t be this simple.
Should you as a customer be afraid that there is mouse poo in the food you buy at Willys?
– No. On the one hand, we have extensive routines so everything must be spot on. We have our own inspectors to secure the food. Then unfortunately there are times, obviously, where things can go wrong and the circumstances are not optimal.
May be forced to take more drastic measures
During Monday afternoon, the environmental inspectors have been back at Willys to see if they got rid of the faeces that the mice left behind. If not, you may be forced to take more drastic measures.
– There can be an injunction with a fine or you close certain parts of the business, says Anna Rosén.