Ole & Steen fined £34,000 for food hygiene failings

Danish bakery chain Ole & Steen has been fined more than £34,000 after a council investigation revealed serious food hygiene failings at its Haymarket site.

Ole & Steen’s flagship branch, which opened within the St James’ Market development in December 2016 as the chain’s debut outside of Denmark, was found to have “significant evidence” of mouse infestation, droppings and poor hygiene practices.

The council’s environmental health inspectors discovered fresh mouse droppings in multiple locations during a routine inspection of the bakery in January 2025.

They also identified evidence of mouse activity in the food preparation and storage areas, as well as food hygiene practices that risked cross-contamination.

Ole & Steen had already been made aware of pest issues through its pest control contractor, but had failed to take action, according to the investigators.

The investigation entailed a thorough inspection of the premises, a review of pest control records, photographic evidence and an assessment of food safety management systems in place.

Westminster City Council successfully prosecuted the bakery at Westminster Magistrates Court on 10 June 2026 for having failed to protect food from contamination risks associated with pest activity and poor hygiene controls.

The business pleaded guilty and was fined £26,000, and with costs the total financial penalty was £34,847.

The court placed particular emphasis on the fact that the business had prior knowledge of the issues and yet had failed to take action before the council’s intervention.

Councillor Caroline Sargent, deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, said: “We expect the highest possible food hygiene standards for our residents and visitors, and we will not tolerate a half-baked approach to safety.  

“Our environmental health officers found a catalogue of serious failings, including mouse droppings in several locations and poor food hygiene practices, despite this branch receiving previous warnings.  

“We hope this prosecution will send a message that when it comes to public safety, Westminster City Council will not sugar-coat the facts.”

Ole & Steen was founded by bakers Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebæk in Copenhagen in 2008 and has since expanded to over 100 locations globally.