Takeaway owner prosecuted for hygiene offences
The former owner of popular Darlington takeaway 'Spice 4 U' has been prosecuted for hygiene offences and ordered to pay more than £1,600 in fines and court costs.
A routine inspection by our environmental health team in September last year, uncovered a string of hygiene offences at the Cockerton based business including dirty premises and equipment, and poor food handling practices. This resulted in the business receiving a 0-star hygiene rating.
A number of immediate actions to improve the cleanliness of the premises and associated equipment were identified by the council which business owner, Shahin Ahmed Choudhury, Gresham Close, Darlington, failed to comply with. Following an interview under caution, the council progressed a prosecution under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
The decision taken this week at Peterlee Magistrates Court sends a clear message to business owners, who fail to maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness within their facilities, that action will be taken.
Brian Whelan, Environmental Health Manager at Darlington Borough Council, said: "Every week our environmental health officers visit local businesses to inspect the cleanliness of their facilities and how food is handled, stored, prepared and managed. At these inspections, venues are awarded an official hygiene rating between 0 (urgent improvement required) and 5 (very good).
"Prosecutions like these are rare and are only made where attempts to engage businesses and resolve issues have failed. Spice 4 U has a poor history of compliance with food safety & hygiene regulations, and we hope that the action taken will serve as a deterrent for future infractions."
Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy added: "The town boasts a huge variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, food vans and stalls, and I am delighted that 95% of all premises which serve food a drink demonstrate good or very good hygiene standards. However, this serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and to report any concerns about food establishments, including suspected food poisoning or allergy incidents, to our environmental health team which works tirelessly to ensure that the food available in Darlington is safe and that food businesses comply with the necessary hygiene legislation."
People visiting take-aways or eating out in Darlington are encouraged to check the establishments hygiene rating. Most businesses will display these in their window, but they are also available online at www.ratings.food.gov.uk or via the Food Standards Agency app.
Since the inspection, 'Spice 4 U' is under new ownership and has made improvements.