The owner of a takeaway in Morley, Leeds has been prosecuted for food hygiene offences which could have put the public at risk of food poisoning.
The prosecution follows an inspection of the premises and subsequent failure to address immediately a number of issues at the China Orchid on Britannia Road, which had been raised by members of Leeds City Council’s environmental team as part of the inspection.
Officers found during a revisit to the shop that both the premises and equipment had not been kept clean, while measures were still not in place to prevent the risk of food contamination.
Having admitted three food hygiene charges at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, takeaway owner Wei Zhong Yang was fined a total of £5,458.20 – including a fine of £3,500, costs of £1,788.20 and a victim surcharge of £170.
After sentencing, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for environment and sustainability, Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, said:
“We are always willing to work with business owners to ensure that the food hygiene standards which are in place in their respective shops or takeaways are of an appropriate standard and meet those the public expect.
“Unfortunately in this case, the owner in question did not subsequently take the steps that were set out following a previous inspection – which meant we were left with no option, following a revisit, but to prosecute through the courts.
“When we undertake an inspection of premises and identify any food hygiene areas for improvement, this is not something that can simply be ignored.
“Business owners can be guaranteed that we will take strong action if we find, following another visit, that the work required was not carried out.”
Leeds City Council regulates all food businesses in Leeds and environmental health officers regularly inspect restaurants, takeaways and shops to ensure they comply with strict food safety legislation.
The outcome of these inspections is a rating based on the Food Standard Agency’s national food hygiene rating scheme.
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors can advise those who have fallen ill with food poisoning caused by negligence – including on package holidays – on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.
Food poisoning claims have to be made within three years of illness or diagnosis of illness – children can claim compensation for food poisoning up to the age of 21, including claims involving: