A Harlow fast food takeaway owner who has been fined £15,000 after Harlow Council Environmental Health Officers uncovered a catalogue of unhygienic practices.
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Mr Uddin, operator of Mr Chicken in Bush Fair, pleaded guilty to five food hygiene offences on Thursday 10 January 2013 at Chelmsford Magistrates Court. He was fined a total of £15,000 and a further £2733.95 in costs.
The successful prosecution by Harlow Council came about when Environmental Health Officers initially inspected the premises in September 2011 and further visits were conducted during 2012.
The officers found that the premises were very poorly managed and in a filthy condition. These visits uncovered a variety of issues including: inadequate hand washing facilities; poorly trained staff, there was nothing to disinfect surfaces after handling raw chicken and burgers; some raw food was found next to bread; no checks were being made to make sure hot and cold food was being kept at the right temperature and there were thick greasy deposits on the floor and equipment.
Environmental Health Officers have confirmed that since prosecution proceedings begun the business has improved its hygiene. A full inspection in early January 2013 identified a satisfactory level of compliance with food hygiene.
Councillor Phil Waite, Harlow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “People in Harlow have the right to expect food to be prepared in hygienic conditions.
“In this case, the premises were poorly managed and kept in an appalling condition. Our Environmental Health Team works hard behind the scenes to make sure the public are protected when they go out to eat or get food, and we will always take strong action to ensure rules are respected.
“Our advice to residents is that if you are planning a night out with family, friends or work colleagues at a local restaurant, pub or hotel or getting a takeaway in don’t just examine the menu, also check what their hygiene rating is too.”
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Harlow Council. Food outlets are rated on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of five (‘very good’). Residents can check the rating of their favourite restaurant or takeaway online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings, via a free phone app, or look for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display.
