March 29, 2026

#regional: awwww rats: Rats, delays cost Woolworths $33k in Dunedin

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 29, 2026

Woolworths New Zealand has been fined $33,000 after failing to properly manage a rat infestation at a Dunedin supermarket, raising serious concerns about food safety standards.

The company was sentenced in the Dunedin District Court following a successful prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety, after earlier admitting a charge under the Food Act.

The case centred on the Countdown Dunedin South store, where a rodent infestation developed between October 2023 and February 2024, with reports of 61 rats being captured during that period.

Authorities found store staff had raised concerns about repeated rodent sightings as early as October, but the issue was not escalated to senior food safety management until January, allowing the problem to worsen.

The delay meant the infestation continued to grow and posed an increased risk to customers, with rodents capable of spreading disease and contaminating food surfaces.

Investigators determined the situation had been treated as a maintenance issue at store level rather than a serious food safety risk, leading to failures in responding appropriately under the company’s food control plan.

The store was eventually closed for nearly three weeks in February to allow for pest removal and a deep clean, after the issue was escalated and reported to New Zealand Food Safety.

Officials say the case highlights the importance of early intervention and proper escalation in food safety matters, warning that delays can increase risks to both public health and business operations.

Woolworths has since reviewed its pest management systems, increased food safety resources and clarified internal processes to ensure similar issues are identified and addressed more quickly in future.

New Zealand Food Safety says it will continue to take enforcement action where necessary, stressing that protecting consumers remains a top priority.