New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the government had concluded the investigations, which had been several months in the making after the first Otago Daily Times report of a rat outbreak in February at Countdown Dunedin South (now Woolworths).
‘‘Following our thorough investigation into rodent activity at Countdown Dunedin South last year, New Zealand Food Safety has laid a charge against Woolworths New Zealand Limited 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.
‘‘This charge carries a maximum fine of $200,000.
‘‘As this matter is now before the court, we are unable to give any further comment.’’
The business was closed for 18 days following numerous sightings and captures of rodents in-store.
Twenty-three rats were caught while it was closed.
There was a report of "a small number of rat captures"’ at the store in April, but Ministry for Primary Industries were satisfied with the investigation and the business was not closed.
In response to an Official Information Act request last year, an MPI spokesman said six South Island supermarkets other than Dunedin South Woolworths had been investigated for rodent activity in the past five years — with ‘‘rodent infestations’’ identified at three of them.
‘‘Once identified, the infestations were quickly resolved at these three sites,’’ the MPI spokesman said.
Woolworths New Zealand Director of Stores Jason Stockill said they acknowledged the filing of the charge.
"We take our food safety responsibilities and the health and safety of our team and customers seriously.
"We’ve worked closely with New Zealand Food Safety following the issue in our Dunedin South store in late 2023. Since then we have improved our processes and controls, implementing a best-practice strategy for pest control and management.
He said as the matter was now before the court, he was unable to give any further comment.
