Smethwick butcher gets £6,800 court bill over food hygiene offences
A Smethwick butcher has landed a court bill of more than £6,800 after failing to meet minimum food hygiene standards.
Mohammed Rashid, of M.A.Halal Meat, recently pleaded guilty to 14 offences at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.
Inspectors from Sandwell Council's environmental health team visited the premises, in Shireland Road, on several occasions during 2018 following a complaint from a member of the public.
The inspectors found poor standards of hygiene, including evidence of pests, poor cleaning standards and inadequate waste disposal facilities.
At Wolverhampton Magistrates Court last month, Rashid received a £240 fine for each offence, totalling £3,360. He was also ordered to pay costs of £3,500 and a victim surcharge of £30.
Necessary
Neil Cox, Sandwell Council's director of prevention and protection, welcomed the prosecution.
He said: "Our officers worked with the owners of the business and they were given chance to make the necessary improvements to improve hygiene standards.
“Unfortunately, when inspectors returned they found the business had not made the necessary improvements and that prosecution was necessary.
“We work to ensure members of the public are not exposed to unsafe food practices and will continue to work with this business owner to ensure standards at the premises improve.
“I urge members of the public to report any food hygiene concerns to us using our online form. I also want to remind food businesses of their duty to ensure they run a safe and hygienic business and failure to do so may result in prosecution.”
