FOOD packets contaminated with mice urine and droppings were found by hygiene inspectors at a cash and carry, Bolton magistrates' heard.

Some packages had been gnawed open by mice at ADZ Distribution Limited in Derby Street, Daubhill.

The infestation was found in an area used to store dry goods such as herbs and spices during the routine inspection on January 29.

A large cluster of mice droppings were found on packets and shelves, while the corner of a package containing coriander seeds had been ripped off. Inspectors also found some packets to be contaminated with mice urine.

Magistrates ordered the £1,200 food pile to be destroyed after granting a Food Condemnation Order requested by the council. They isolated the offending food, including spices and rice, and then seized half-a-tonne of food the next day.

Mohammed Idrees, a director at ADZ, said a mill once stood next door to his business and that it is impossible to stop them coming into his premises.

Mr Idrees attended Bolton Magistrates' Court on February 16 and did not contest the order.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Mice carry bacteria and viruses which can cause illness in humans, such as Salmonella, E.coli and leptospirosis. The food has been destroyed to ensure it does not get back into the food chain.

"The business is required to pay the cost of destruction, plus costs of £200. This action was taken to protect public health. Bolton Council takes food safety very seriously and will take action where there is a risk to public health and serious breaches are identified."

Mr Idrees said he accepted the order because fighting it would have incurred £2,500 of costs had he lost.

He said: "Everything has been cleaned and brought up to date.

"In Bolton there are quite a lot of mice. We have got a contract in place with a pest control company and we had this service every month and they are now coming every week."

He added: "We have tried our best to stop mice coming into our warehouse from next door.

"Since Bolton Council started collecting rubbish every fortnight, not each week, this has made it worse.

"There are more mice in Bolton."

ADZ has been in operation since 2005, and describes itself as a wholesale food distributor to the catering trade.