Inside the dirty Black Country café as owner fined in court
A café operator in the Black Country has been fined after health inspectors found uncleanliness at the business.
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Maxine Hannah of Ironstone Road, Cannock, food business operator for Central Café on Brownhills High Street, in Walsall, failed to comply with a number of food safety regulations.
On August 17, 2023, environmental health officers made an unannounced visit to the eatery, having previously observed insufficient kitchen ventilation there.
A hygiene improvement notice had previously been served to the food business operator, but this was not complied with when the health inspectors' visit took place, a Walsall Council spokesperson said.
Officers revisited the site on January 17, 2024 and discovered areas of the premises were unclean and not in good condition, including structural items in the kitchen, food equipment and appliances.
The structure of the kitchen was also discovered not maintained with deteriorated shelving, a wooden divider and missing wall tiles.
The café operator had also failed to implement a documented Food Safety Management System, evidenced by "poor cleaning standards" and the condition of equipment, the council spokesperson added.
On February 19, the case was heard at Dudley Magistrates Court and Hannah pleaded guilty to six offences relating to a failure to comply with EU provision concerning food safety and hygiene.
She was fined £569, with victim surcharges of £231 and costs of £1,000, totalling £1,800. A collection order has been served, with the first payment due in 28 days.
Walsall Council leader Councillor Garry Perry, said: “Our teams have achieved another successful prosecution, and I commend their hard work in bringing this case to court.
“This defendant intentionally breached the law and risked public health by failing to comply with food hygiene regulations.
“Our environmental health officers work closely with food businesses to ensure they maintain high standards. When concerns arise, we will issue the appropriate notices, and if these are ignored, we will take legal action.”
