Posted on: Wednesday 28 February 2024
A former manager of a takeaway business has pleaded guilty to multiple food hygiene, and health and safety breaches.
Appearing at Newport Magistrates Court on Friday 23 February, Mr Adil Mohamed was convicted of multiple offences including exposing staff and others to risk of injury from poorly maintained equipment, not protecting food from possible contamination, and failing to effectively implement food safety controls at The Curry Kitchen in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran.
Due to the seriousness of the risks to food safety, the court prohibited Mr. Mohamed from running a food business in the future. He was also given a 12-month Community Order, requiring 10 days rehabilitation and 120 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £3,665.09 towards the council’s costs and a victim surcharge of £114.
The court was told that when the council’s Environmental Health Officers visited The Curry Kitchen on 16 November 2022 and 1 February 2023, they found dirty equipment, vegetables being prepared in an unlit dirty yard, out-of-date food, and staff wearing dirty aprons. The premises received a rating of 0 (urgent improvement necessary) under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Mr Mohamed was also found to have neglected essential maintenance at the premises, such as using defective and dangerous equipment, and failing to ensure the toilet facilities had hot and cold running water, hand soap and drying facilities. The court heard that he often left untrained staff and family members in charge of the business.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment said: “This case highlights the vital work of the council’s Public Protection Service in safeguarding workers and the public from unacceptable risks to their health, safety and wellbeing.”
“During inspections of The Curry Kitchen, officers identified serious non-compliances that had the potential to cause injury to people on the premises, and there were real risks of illness to consumers from poor food hygiene standards. Despite Mr Mohamed being provided with advice and support to achieve compliance with the law, he failed to make the required improvements.”
“Due to the nature of the breaches and associated risks to health, it was necessary for the council to take firm action to protect the public. In addition to Mr Mohamed being prosecuted for his failings, the Court also issued a Prohibition Order to prevent him from running a food business in the future.”
“I hope this serves as a reminder of the importance of businesses ensuring they treat food hygiene, and health and safety seriously.”
Anyone currently running a business in Torfaen, or is considering doing so, can contact the council’s Business Direct Team to get advice on food and, health and safety requirements.
The Business Direct Team can be contacted on 01633 648735 or by emailing businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes to editor
The Curry Kitchen is now under new ownership and was awarded a food hygiene rating of 3 following a food hygiene inspection on 11 October 2023.