Winchester City Council successfully prosecutes a Chinese takeaway over food safety failings
Winchester City Council has successfully prosecuted the owner and manager of a takeaway who failed to comply with food hygiene legislation. The prosecution came after the business failed to comply with food safety regulations over a number of visits and did not make the necessary improvements required.
Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard how Panda Chinese Takeaway, in Wickham Square, was found to have poor levels of cleanliness by council food safety officers who visited the premises three times earlier this year. Officers found food debris, grease and dirt on surfaces and equipment at the premises, and they also discovered poor drainage and structural problems with the floor, shelving and rear storage area.
Manager of Panda Chinese Mr An Le and owner Mr Mohammed Riaze both pleaded guilty of failing to comply with food safety requirements. Mr Le was fined £2154 and ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge and £6495 costs. Mr Riaze was fined £613 and ordered to pay a £61 victim surcharge and £2500 costs.
Cabinet member for built environment and wellbeing Cllr Jackie Porter, said:
“Food businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with food safety standards will inevitably face prosecution as a final outcome. It is important that we ensure this legislation is followed and we will always seek to prosecute in cases like this where the safety of our residents is at risk.”
“This sends out a strong message that this council does not tolerate poor food hygiene standards and the consequences are very serious.
“The council plays an important role in protecting residents and this includes constant vigilance on the huge variety of food establishments that sell food right across the district.”