A Pontypridd takeaway has been fined more than £2,000 following a successful prosecution by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council because of a catalogue of food hygiene offences that could risk public health.
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New Hong Kong Takeaway in Pwllgwaun Road, Pontypridd faced 17 charges for offences under The Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations Act following an investigation by Environmental Health Officers who visited the premises on three separate occasions.
During a routine food inspection in 2012 the standard of cleanliness at the premises was poor, the cleaning products available inadequate and Mr Ai Shui Li demonstrated little regard towards the importance of food safety. The walls, floors, food contact surfaces and equipment were greasy and dirty.
There were accumulations of dirt and debris on the floor, behind and under equipment and contact surfaces such as equipment handles and light switches were dirty. In addition to the cleaning issues there were several other serious concerns relating to food storage, use of equipment and general practices that posed a significant risk of cross contamination of foods.
- The chopping boards had deteriorated and were mouldy and badly scored.
- Large quantities of raw chicken were being defrosted in the kitchen sink, in bowls of water and on the draining board and on metal trays under the sink unit.
- Cooked rice was being stored on the floor of the kitchen under the sink unit in a large metal holed colander and was adjacent to a tray of raw chicken.
- Large quantities of cooked rice were left out at room temperature at various places in the kitchen.
- Raw meats were being stored in plastic used carrier bags.
- Personal hygiene was poor with no hand washing observed and the clothing and protective aprons being worn by the food handlers were dirty.
After the first visits, the takeaway closed early and staff carried out thorough cleaning which was inspected and found to have been improved. But on a further visit two months later the situation had deteriorated once again with further cross-contamination issues observed including:
- Raw chicken was being cut on the cooked meat/salad chopping board by an employee
- Cooked chicken balls in batter were being stored in a cardboard box that had previously been used to hold raw chicken
- There was a round bowl full of raw chicken in liquid in the refrigerator situated adjacent to a bag of cooked meat
Again in November 2012 an investigation revealed:
- Dirt and debris on floor and under equipment
- The main work surface and shelving area below were dirty
- Dirty equipment including the stainless steel double refrigerator, the chest freezer, the conventional cooker and Chinese cooker
- Large quantities of rice at room temperature
- Large colander style bowl of rice on the seat surface of a stool
- A number of cross contamination issues including a bowl of rice stored adjacent to a bowl of raw chicken in the double refrigerator; uncovered raw chicken and beef on top of spring rolls and cooked duck in the freezer; on the inside base of a plastic box containing popadoms was a piece of cardboard that had been taken from a box of raw sausages.
Bsiness owner Mr Ai Shui Li pleaded guilty to all 17 charges at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £1,250 for the offences, the local authority was awarded £867.35 costs and he was ordered to pay £25 Victim Surcharge, bringing the total to £2,142.35.
Dai Jones, Head of Community Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The prompt, effective action at the premises is typical of the important work being undertaken on behalf of the public by the Council’s Environmental Health Officers, to ensure food premises meet expected standards and are dealt with if they fail to do so.
“The New Hong Kong Takeaway was already under intensified scrutiny due to concerns raised in routine inspections. Unfortunately, despite intervention by Environmental Health Officers, the management failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation.
“Not only did they fail to make the necessary improvements but, in fact, allowed conditions to deteriorate still further.
“I hope this serves as a reassurance to the public that we do proactively monitor food premises and although we do seek to support our local businesses by helping them to comply with food hygiene standards, we will not shrink from taking robust enforcement action – even closure if necessary – where needed.”
