Food business fined for breach

A food business in Stafford Borough has been fined for breaching hygiene law.

Peter Roberts, the owner of the Gastronomy Shop and ‘Call in the Caterers’ in the High Street, Gnosall was given a £335 fine and ordered to pay £500 costs with a £15 victim surcharge.

Inspections carried out by Stafford Borough Council found the cooker was not clean and that there were no cleaning cloths or disinfectant spray for use on the food preparation surfaces or equipment in the kitchen.

Stafford magistrates were told that following the visit the council’s Environmental Health Officer, Helga Gray, wrote to the owner asking him to address the issues.

Simon Turner, prosecuting for the council, said: “She returned and conducted a further food hygiene inspection - that was six days after the first inspection - and it was apparent Mr Roberts had not addressed the issues that required his immediate attention.”

He continued: “In particular Mrs Gray noted that the cooker had not been cleaned since the previous inspection six days before.”

Mr Turner added: “This prosecution has been brought only after considerable efforts by the council to persuade the defendant to implement proper food safety and hygiene procedures at the premises.”

Mr Roberts admitted failing to keep food premises clean on 27 June last year - contrary to Food and Hygiene Regulations. Three further charges relating to alleged hygiene offences were withdrawn by the council.

Nigel Pepper, defending, said the officer visited following a busy weekend in which the business had carried out a number of outside catering functions.

“The lights were off and the premises were closed with a view to cleaning down the kitchen. The shop premises were not being opened that day as the day was being used to clean. There was no risk of any food contamination to the public,” he added.

After the case, Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “We want food businesses in our borough to be successful but also safe for the public. As this case demonstrates we always try and work with them to ensure they are following hygiene laws and will only prosecute as a last resort when they fail to take our advice.”

For details on the standards of hygiene at all food premises across the borough go to www.ratemyplace.org.uk

Press Release No 4433