On Wednesday 19 February 2014, Mr John Wong from St Ives Chinese and Thai Takeaway pleaded guilty to eight food hygiene offences at Peterborough Magistrates Court, in a case brought by Huntingdonshire District Council.
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- Council: Huntingdonshire District Council
- Fine: £2,400
- Costs: £600
- Total: £3,000
The breaches were witnessed on 2 September 2013 during a routine visit to the premises on The Broadway, St Ives by Environmental Health Protection Officer, Belinda Betham. Mrs Betham witnessed cross contamination risks in the kitchen, blocked drains in the rear yard, numerous flies on open food products in the kitchen, and poor standards of cleaning and disinfection. Staff were observed placing a dirty mop bucket on the draining board, and were later seen preparing food on the draining board without cleaning and disinfecting the surface. Many items of mouldy and unfit food were found which were disposed of at the time of the inspection.
Following the inspection, Mr Wong agreed to voluntarily close the premises in order that urgent cleaning and disinfection could to take place. Similar conditions were found at a previous inspection on 4 December 2012 when Mr Wong again agreed to voluntarily close the premises to enable thorough cleaning to take place. On both occasions the premises were issued with a food hygiene rating of zero (Urgent Improvement Necessary).
Mr Wong, who was not legally represented, apologised to the court and said that he was sorry for not managing the shop properly.
The defendant was fined £2400 for the offences and ordered to pay a contribution to the council’s costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £120. Magistrates stated that they had taken account of the defendant’s early guilty plea, and also recognised the serious nature of the offences.
Councillor Robin Howe, Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, said: “We always try to work alongside food businesses and offer advice and support to ensure high standards are maintained in food safety; prosecutions are rare. In this case there were clearly some very serious issues, and public health and safety must come first.”
