Take-away fined for dirty equipment (From Barry And District News)

Take-away fined for dirty equipment

THE OWNER of Barry take-away has been fined 800 for a series of food hygiene offences.

The premises were dirty, wiring had been gnawed by rodents and, instead of protective clothes, staff were wearing football shirts and dirty aprons, Vale of Glamorgan magistrates were told.

Litton Miah, of the Barry Kebab House, also known as LA Pizza, in Holton Road, admitted eight offences brought under the Food Safety and Health and Safety at Work Acts and Food Safety Hygiene Regulations and was also ordered to pay 500 costs.

Prosecuting for the Vale Council, Richard Price said a visit by environmental health officers in February this year revealed conditions requiring the service of several Improvement Notices under the Food Safety Act.

Assistance and guidance was given to remedy the situation but Mr Miah failed to take advantage of an offer of free training.

Mr Price said that when officers returned to Mr Miah's premises in July, their investigations revealed the defendant had not complied with the notices, and also found new offences.

Walls, floors and ceilings throughout the premises were damaged, dirty and unsealed, while equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and a dough mixer, was in a dirty condition, he added.

The electrical installation was found to be dangerous due to gnawing by rodents, no soap or towels were provided for a wash hand basin in the toilet areas.

Rear steps, without a handrail, were unsafe, and the drainage in a preparation area was only suitable for an outside yard and could have flooded and contaminated the premises.

Mr Price said staff, instead of wearing adequate protective clothing, were dressed in football shirts and dirty aprons tied at the waist.

On behalf of Mr Miah, it was stated that a builder failed to undertake the necessary works despite having been paid by the defendant, who was in financial difficulties and no longer running the Holton Road business.

He was not working and on sickness benefit.

Following the case, Vale operational manager (regulatory services) Kate Thompson said: "Those involved in operating takeaway food premises should not need reminding that they must have a full commitment to food hygiene, and that the highest possible standards, especially for the benefit of the public, must be maintained at all times."