Mr Les Middleton, the operator of Cottage Bakery, Penarth, was found guilty of four offences under food hygiene regulations at a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

Prosecution
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  • Council: Vale of Glamorgan Council
  • Fine: £250
  • Costs: £1,000
  • Total: £1,250

The case was brought by the Vale of Glamorgan Council environmental health team following an inspection of the premises in June 2013.

Environmental Health Officer, Rowan Hughes, explained: “During an inspection on the 19 June 2013 environmental health officers discovered very poor food hygiene standards at Cottage Bakery.

These included a lack of cleaning, inadequate maintenance, inadequate temperature control and cross contamination issues.

Our officers also found there to be no food safety management system in place as is required by law.”

After pleading guilty to the offences, Mr Middleton was ordered to pay a £250 fine for each of the four offences as well as £1000 towards the costs of the council and a victim surcharge of £25.

Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, commented: “This prosecution sends out a clear signal that we will take robust action when the public are put at risk by poor food hygiene.

All premises preparing and selling food must display their most recent food hygiene rating. I would encourage Vale residents to check these so that they can purchase food in the Vale with confidence.”

Cottage Bakery scored a rating of one out of five (Major Improvement Necessary) under the Food Hygiene Rating System. The premises has since been refurbished.