The South Dunedin supermarket was closed for almost three weeks in February 2023 due to a rat infestation. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
The food safety regulator has charged Woolworths New Zealand with failing to properly deal with a rat infestation at its Dunedin South supermarket.
The store was closed for almost three weeks in February last year to eliminate the pests after rats were first discovered in late 2023.
More than 20 rats were captured and evidence of rodents nesting in the supermarket was discovered during the closure, before the store was given the all clear to reopen to the public on 28 February.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said it had charged Woolworths New Zealand under the Food Act 2014.
"The charge relates to a failure to ensure a significant rodent infestation was promptly identified and escalated in accordance with its food control plan," he said.
The charge carries a maximum fine of $200,000.
In a statement, Woolworths New Zealand director of stores Jason Stockhill said it acknowledged the charge.
"We take our food safety responsibilities and the health and safety of our team and customers seriously," he said.
"We've worked closely with New Zealand Food Safety following the issue in our Dunedin South store in late 2023."
The supermarket chain had subsequently improved its processes and controls, which included implementing a best-practice strategy for pest control and management, Stockhill said.
New Zealand Food Safety and Woolworths New Zealand declined to comment further while the case was before the court.
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