The health of Scunthorpe residents has been protected after an inspection of a takeaway revealed an infestation of cockroaches.
North Lincolnshire Council prosecuted the owner of Shawarma Town, located on Frodingham Road in Scunthorpe, after officers discovered the premises in an unhygienic condition.
The owner, Mr S Rashid, was ordered to pay a total of £3,437 in fines and costs by Grimsby Magistrates Court. The fines were imposed for:
- a failure to ensure that adequate procedures were in place to control pests
- a failure to ensure that the articles and equipment that come into contact with food were effectively cleaned and disinfected
- a failure to protect food against any contamination likely to make the food unfit and/or injurious to health.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities – urban, said:
“The vast majority of takeaway owners are responsible and comply with the food hygiene regulations. In this instance, however, standards were unacceptable, and the council’s Food and Safety officers did not hesitate to step in to protect the health of customers.
“This fine should act as a warning to those business owners who do not comply with the law and put customers’ health at risk – this will not be tolerated and action will be taken.”
Before premises are permitted to reopen, sites are thoroughly inspected to ensure that pest activity has been eradicated and hygiene standards have been sufficiently improved.
Free, comprehensive guidance covering food safety legislation is available on the Food Standards Agency website.
The council also offers a bespoke Food Safety Business Advice Scheme, offering advice on matters including premises layout, structure, facilities and equipment, food safety practices and food hygiene rating scheme requirements. To find out more, visit the council website.
