Dunedin Supermarket Rat Infestation Fine – $200k
- Woolworths New Zealand, operating under the Countdown brand, is facing legal proceedings following a rat infestation discovered at its dunedin South store in late 2023.
- Woolworths New Zealand initially confirmed an increase in "pest activity" at the Dunedin South location in late 2023, stating it had a comprehensive pest management plan in place...
- According to a statement, Woolworths New Zealand has been working closely with new Zealand Food Safety since the issue came to light.
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Countdown Supermarket in Dunedin, New Zealand, Faces Court Over Rat Infestation
Table of Contents
Updated September 19, 2025, 01:50:32 NZDT
What Happened?
Woolworths New Zealand, operating under the Countdown brand, is facing legal proceedings following a rat infestation discovered at its dunedin South store in late 2023. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was alerted to the issue, prompting an investigation.
Woolworths New Zealand initially confirmed an increase in “pest activity” at the Dunedin South location in late 2023, stating it had a comprehensive pest management plan in place to address the situation. The New Zealand Herald reported on this confirmation.
Woolworths’ Response and Improvements
According to a statement, Woolworths New Zealand has been working closely with new Zealand Food Safety since the issue came to light. The company reports having improved its processes and controls, implementing a “best-practice strategy for pest control and management.”
However, due to the matter being before the court, Woolworths New Zealand has declined to provide further comment.
Legal Proceedings and MPI Involvement
The details of the court case are currently unavailable, but the MPI’s involvement indicates the seriousness of the infestation and potential breaches of food safety regulations. New Zealand Food Safety is a business unit within the Ministry for Primary industries responsible for regulating the food industry.
Food Safety Regulations in New Zealand
New Zealand’s food safety regulations are governed by the Food Act 2014, administered by the Ministry for primary Industries. This act outlines requirements for food businesses to ensure food is safe and suitable for consumption. Key areas covered include premises standards, food handling practices, and pest control.
Failure to comply with the food Act 2014 can result in fines, closure of premises, and prosecution. The severity of penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance.
Potential Impacts
- Consumer Confidence: The incident could erode consumer trust in the Countdown brand and supermarkets in general.
- Financial Penalties: Woolworths New Zealand could face substantial fines if found guilty of breaching food safety regulations.
- Reputational Damage: The negative publicity could harm the company’s reputation.
- Increased Scrutiny: The MPI