Rising standards in food hygiene standards leads to rise in breaches and prosecutions

Are businesses finding it too difficult and expensive to invest in Food Safety hygiene practices? Or are Councils taking firmer enforcement action?

Basildon Council, which had brought only one case to Court in the past three years, has prosecuted four businesses since April 2011. With three months of the financial year to go, the Council has already issued 206 written warnings, compared to a 184 last year and 161 in 2009-10.

The Council added that businesses appear to be compliant with regulations, but the hygiene rating scheme has driven up standards.

Legal proceedings are always the last resort but if you ignore advice and continue to breach good hygiene practices the local authority will take action.

• The Owner of the Belvedere functions rooms in Billericky admitted 8 offences, was fined £10,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,624 last year. The Council said that it had inadequate hand washing facilities, was dirty and food was at risk of contamination. Mouldy food had previously been found in a fridge during an inspection in September 2010.
• A takeaway owner was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after he admitted 12 offences. It was found that the takeaway had not had hot water for a week, had a rodent infestation and staff had not been given uniforms or training.

If you’ve had an inspection from the FSA and received a notice or if you are being prosecuted then contact one of our experienced team members to receive expert advice focused on the interests of you and your business.