Published: Tuesday, 23rd May 2017
Rugeley based food business POE Limited and its Director Calin Poenariu have been ordered to pay £44,000 in fines and costs following a successful prosecution brought by Cannock Chase Council.
POE Limited of Anglesey Court, Towers Business Park and Mr Poenariu appeared in Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 16 May 2017. Each pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, including the illegal production and placing on the market of meat based foods, from premises which had not been approved by the Council.
Environmental Health Officers found foods, including chicken livers and hearts, that were handled and wrapped, then had false labels applied before being distributed to specialist retailers throughout the UK. Officers also found foods for distribution which had not been hygienically manufactured. These potentially unsafe foods were removed and disposed of by Officers.
The Company also pleaded guilty to 3 further offences of failing to provide hand washing facilities, failing to ensure suitable layout and design of the premises and failing to put in place suitable food hygiene procedures. .
Magistrates imposed fines and costs totalling £35,720 on the company and £8,143.00 on Mr Poenariu.
David Prosser-Davies, Food, Safety & Licensing Manager at the Council said: “We have a proud record of helping local food businesses to comply with legislation, through offering free advice and support. Unfortunately, on this occasion our advice was not followed and serious offences were committed.
Food businesses which do not comply with legislation not only put the public at risk through consumption of unsafe foods, they also gain an unfair competitive advantage over businesses which do make efforts to comply.
I am pleased that the court, through the penalties imposed, recognised the seriousness of this matter. We would always encourage food businesses to seek our advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity.”
Any food business which is in need of free advice can contact the council at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk or telephone 01543 462621