Posted on: Friday 2 September 2022
The manager of a takeaway business has admitted food hygiene charges after Torfaen Council’s Environmental Health Officers discovered the premises in a dirty and greasy condition, with foods exposed to risks of contamination.
The Golden Gate Chinese at 4-6 Chapel Street in Cwmbran was visited by an officer in December 2021, following a complaint it was dirty and there were rats.
Although the officer did not find any evidence of rats, surfaces in the premises were dirty, with high levels of grease around, behind and below equipment, a sack of onions was found to be exposed to flood water, and open containers of sauce were stored on a dirty concrete floor.
The officer also found staff had not been trained in food hygiene, were not properly supervised, and there were inadequate systems in place to pro-actively manage food safety.
Due to the risks posed to consumers from the unacceptable food hygiene standards, a notice was issued requiring the takeaway to close, so that necessary improvements could be made, including a deep clean. The lowest food hygiene rating of zero was issued to the business.
Tiancheng Chen, the manager, was charged with four food hygiene offences, and appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 August. He admitted all charges, including failing to protect food from risk of contamination.
Mr Chen was fined £923, which was reduced to £615 for his early guilty pleas. He was also ordered to pay a £62 victim surcharge, and the Council’s full costs of £1,279.78. The total amount Mr Chen must pay is £1,956.78.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment, said: “The conditions found at the Golden Gate Chinese fell far below acceptable standards.
“Our officers responded quickly to the concerns raised, and closed the business until standards were improved, in order to protect public health. Although the manager co-operated with officers, he should never have allowed the takeaway to get into the state in which it was found.”
If anyone has concerns about food safety at a business in Torfaen, they are encouraged to report them by phoning the Council’s food, health and safety team on 01633 648009 or by emailing commercial.services@torfaen.gov.uk.
Find out more about food hygiene ratings here
NOTE TO EDITOR
The Golden Gate has ceased trading from its Chapel Street address and relocated to a new premises on Station Road, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. The business is currently awaiting its food hygiene inspection.