Morrisons Fined £750,000 for Systemic Bakery Failures at Cwmbran Branch

Supermarket giant Morrisons has been ordered to pay a total of £750,221.38, encompassing a fine, costs, and a victim surcharge, after severe hygiene deficiencies were discovered at its Cwmbran bakery in August 2024.

The penalty, which included a £737,000 fine, £11,221.38 in costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge, was reduced from an initial £1.1 million due to an early guilty plea. The infractions were uncovered during a routine inspection by Torfaen council environmental health officers.

Investigators documented 51 distinct failures in food safety management, alongside evidence of poor cleanliness, unsanitary equipment, and insufficient staff oversight. These issues, which Morrisons management had reportedly been aware of for over a month, prompted the immediate closure of the bakery for thorough cleaning.

During proceedings at Newport Magistrates' Court, Judge Sophie Toms asserted that the case highlighted 'serious and systemic failures' within Morrisons, rather than isolated incidents. Judge Toms stated that the supermarket's actions had imperilled customer health and safety, potentially endangering lives.

Daniel Morelli, Torfaen Council's public protection chief, affirmed the council's commitment to formal action 'where the health and well-being of consumers is placed at risk'. Morrisons acknowledged its disappointment with the bakery's condition, describing it as a 'single local issue' that had been promptly addressed and consistently improved since the August 2024 inspection.