Visiting council environmental health inspectors were shocked to find numerous breaches of food hygiene regulations at Tiffany’s, 22 North Road, when they inspected the café on the 8 March 2012 (Photo on Flickr).

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Inspectors noted that there was a build-up of dirt and grease on a hot plate, rubbish behind a chest freezer, a dirty vegetable fridge, a damaged freezer and fridge, uncovered food, dirty fridge handles, filthy floors, and grease dripping down the side of a deep fat fryer.

At Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday (12 July 2012), Tiffany’s (Brighton) Limited, landed fines and court costs totalling £14,015 after admitting 12 charges of breaching food hygiene regulations.

Len Batten, prosecuting on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council, told the court that the business had a poor history of compliance with food hygiene regulations. During a routine visit last year (10 February 2011) a significant number of breaches of food hygiene legislation were found including risk of cross-contamination, damage to equipment and a lack of adequate food safety training. Following the inspection, the business was given a zero star rating under Brighton & Hove City Council’s Scores on the Doors scheme, which indicated publicly that the café had very poor hygiene standards.

Councillor Ben Duncan, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Protection, said: “This was an extreme breach of the food hygiene regulations, and customers’ health was clearly put at risk.

“Fortunately most food outlets in the city are reputable and take food hygiene seriously, but when standards drop, the council will act swiftly to take appropriate action. Protecting public health is vital.”

Currently over 80% of the food businesses in the city are graded four or five out of five under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

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