Posted on: Friday 15 December 2023
Pontypool takeaway fined for displaying invalid food hygiene rating sticker.
Yesterday, Newport Magistrates’ Court heard that Denise’s Fish Bar at 105 The Highway, New Inn, Pontypool, displayed an invalid food hygiene rating sticker. The situation arose following a routine food hygiene inspection on the 28 March 2023, when the takeaway’s hygiene rating was reduced from 3 (Generally Satisfactory), to 1 (Major Improvement Necessary) to reflect the standards found.
The Court further heard that the Company Director,Ugur Saridas, refused on several occasions to replace the previous 3 rating sticker with the new 1 rating sticker. This led to a £200 fixed penalty notice being issued, which he chose not to pay.
Mr. Saridas pleaded guilty to displaying an invalid food hygiene rating sticker, and was fined £600, reduced to £400 for the early guilty plea, and ordered to pay Torfaen Council’s full costs of £880, plus a victim surcharge of £180.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment said: “The law requiring the display of valid food hygiene rating stickers has been in place in Wales for 10 years.
“Ratings provide important information, so that consumers can make informed decisions about where they choose to eat and purchase food and with credit to food businesses in Torfaen, the majority of them display their correct rating.
Although the business eventually displayed the correct rating sticker, the public were misled over the hygiene standards at Denise’s Fish Bar for 22 days.
This prosecution could have been avoided, if the owner displayed a valid rating sticker and took the opportunity to pay the fixed penalty notice, rather than now being faced with paying £1,460 in fines and costs.
Information about every food business’ food hygiene rating can be found at https://ratings.food.gov.uk/. I would encourage new or existing food businesses operating in Torfaen, who have queries about food safety and hygiene to contact the Council."
To find out more about food hygiene contact Torfaen Business Direct on 01633 648735 or businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk
ENDS
Denise’s Fish Bar was re-inspected on the 9 June 2023 and now has a 3 (Generally Satisfactory) food hygiene rating.