Published: Monday, 18th December 2023
Food business Rugeley Spice, of Market Street in Rugeley, has been ordered to pay £29,000 in fines and costs following a successful food hygiene prosecution by Cannock Chase Council.
Rugeley Spice Indian Limited was sentenced on 16 December 2023 following an appearance at Cannock Magistrates Court on 5 September 2023, at which Mr Shamim Uddin, for the company, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, including failing to prevent access by pests to the premises.
The Council’s Environmental Health service carried out a routine hygiene inspection at Rugeley Spice on 30 September 2022. During their visit officers found evidence of rodent activity, contaminated food, dirt and grease and inadequate pest control procedures. Officers required the restaurant to close immediately.
Following an investigation by Environmental Health Officers, District Judge Kevin Grego, sitting at Cannock Magistrates Court, imposed fines and costs totalling £29,000 on the company.
Councillor Andrea Muckley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“The Council has a proud record of helping local food businesses to comply with legislation, through offering free advice and support. This business failed to provide safe food to the public and did not act promptly on evidence of rodent activity within the business. The conditions found by officers were an imminent risk to health and a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice had to be served on the business to prevent them from trading.
“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 needs free advice can contact the Council’s Environmental Health service on 01543 462621 or at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Photograph:
Picture taken by Environmental Health Officers showing the conditions they found at the Rugeley Spice on 28 September 2022 including a dirty hand wash basin.