A FOOD company infested with rats for ten months has been fined.

In January 2000, environmental health officers from Middlesbrough Council warned Tyne Tees Cash and Carry that there was evidence of the beginnings of a problem during a routine inspection at its warehouse in the town's Cargo Fleet Lane.

When they returned ten months later, on October 11, there was a serious infestation of rats, Teesside Magistrates' Court was told.

Director Saghir Ahmad, who runs the business with his brother, pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to three offences under the Food Safety Act.

The brothers were listed as the 118th richest Asians in Britain in the Asian Xpress Rich List.

The company was fined £3,500 for lack of pest control and £2,500 for failing to keep the warehouse clean and hygienic. It was ordered to pay £4,000 costs.

Glenn Sharpe, prosecuting, said rat droppings had been found under pallets containing cooking ingredients, confectionery, biscuits and beers. There was also a large pile of rubbish outside the premises which was a "haven" for rats.

The court heard the situation had improved greatly since October 2000.

Alison Shepherd, defending, said the company had been involved in a contractual wrangle with its pest control firm over prices during this period, but had transferred the business to another firm, which had sorted out the problem within two weeks.

Middlesbrough Council environmental health officer Sarah Ratcliffe said prosecution was a last resort but added: "This was a very serious rat infestation and I think the fine reflects that."