THE owner of a Middlesbrough takeaway has been fined after breaching food hygiene rules (Photos on Flickr).

Prosecution
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  • Council: Middlesbrough Council
  • Fine: £500
  • Costs: £0
  • Total: £500

Environmental Health Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Community Protection Service visited Chicken Hut in Borough Road, Middlesbrough in October 2013 to carry out a routine food hygiene inspection.

They found mouse droppings throughout the premises and poor standards of cleanliness.

The operator of the business, Sivakurunathan Sellathurai was forced to close his premises after Middlesbrough Council issued a Food Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

He was not allowed to re-open until effective pest treatment had been carried out and the premises thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Environmental Health Manager Judith Hedgley said: “Poor hygiene standards and pest infestations are likely to lead to food contamination and food poisoning.

“Therefore in the interests of protecting public health this takeaway was prohibited from operating until we were satisfied it no longer presented a health risk.”

The takeaway remained shut for five days.

Appearing before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 6) Sellathurai pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 – failing to ensure adequate procedures were in place to control pests, failing to keep the premises clean and failing to keep food equipment clean and disinfected.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development,said: “The Council’s first approach to securing food hygiene standards is to work with local food businesses.

“However, where conditions are found that put consumer health at risk then appropriate enforcement action will be taken.”