A Darlington fast food outlet has been fined and is now under new ownership. Darlington Borough Council enforcement officers visited the premises of Best Kebab 2, 69 Skinnergate on 15 April 2013.

Prosecution
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The visit was in response to a complaint about state of refuse storage at the rear of the premises. During the visit, in addition to the problem with refuse storage, unsatisfactory food hygiene conditions were identified.

A member of the Council’s Street Scene team took enforcement action in relation to the refuse storage and in response the business set up a refuse collection contract.

The environmental health officers who enforce food safety legislation found the premises and equipment to be unclean; food handlers not supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity; and no food safety management system.

Erfan Fatih Mohamed the owner of Best Kebab 2 at 69 Skinnergate, Darlington pleaded guilty to 4 specimen food hygiene offences at Darlington Magistrates Court on Wednesday 11 September and was fined a total of £775; required to pay the Councils costs of £287.50; and an £80 Victim Surcharge.  He stated to the Court that he is no longer the owner, manager or anything to do with the business. He was ordered to pay the total of £1159.50 at a rate of £50 per month.

Cllr Chris McEwan said “The Councils food enforcement officers will always take action to protect the health of the public. I would like to take the opportunity to confirm that most of the catering premises in Darlington demonstrate compliance with food hygiene legislation. In this case standards had fallen well below what was acceptable and a prosecution was appropriate. ”

He added:  “I would also like to remind the public that they can find food hygiene rating of all food premises in Darlington 0n the Council Web site and many premises display their rating. Those premises rated 5 have the best rating.”

Following the Court case a new food registration form was completed at the Town Hall reception with a new person taking responsibility for the business – Best Kebab.