Filthy conditions at Darlington takeaway's 0* inspection exposed as ex-owner fined
Filthy conditions at a Darlington takeaway's previous zero-star inspection have been exposed as the venue's former owner is slapped with £1,600 in fines.
Spice 4 U, on Cockerton Green, was told major improvement was necessary at a routine visit from food hygiene officers last September.
Inspectors found a dirty premises, dirty equipment, and poor food handling practices at the site, handing it the lowest food hygiene score possible.
And while Spice 4 U is under new ownership and has made improvements, currently holding a 'good' four-star rating, the venue's previous hygiene failings have now been revealed.
Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL)
Shocking pictures from inside the venue show dirty light switches, a dirty drawer filled with kitchen utensils and other items such as rubber bands and a hammer, and dirty shelving.
A number of immediate actions to improve the cleanliness of the premises and associated equipment were identified by the council which business owner, Shahin Ahmed Choudhury, Gresham Close, Darlington, failed to comply with.
Following an interview under caution, the council progressed a prosecution under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL)
This week, at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, Choudhury was prosecuted for hygiene offences and ordered to pay more than £1,600 in fines and court costs.
Darlington Council said the decision taken this week 'sends a clear message to business owners who fail to maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness within their facilities' that action will be taken by the authority.
Brian Whelan, environmental health manager at the council, said: "Every week our environmental health officers visit local businesses to inspect the cleanliness of their facilities and how food is handled, stored, prepared and managed.
Images from the food hygiene inspection at Spice 4 U on Cockerton Green in Darlington (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL)
'At these inspections, venues are awarded an official hygiene rating between 0 (urgent improvement required) and 5 (very good).
"Prosecutions like these are rare and are only made where attempts to engage businesses and resolve issues have failed.
'Spice 4 U has a poor history of compliance with food safety & hygiene regulations, and we hope that the action taken will serve as a deterrent for future infractions."
It is now under new ownership (Image: DARLINGTON COUNCIL)
Councillor Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for economy, added: "The town boasts a huge variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, food vans and stalls, and I am delighted that 95% of all premises which serve food and drink demonstrate good or very good hygiene standards.
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'However, this serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and to report any concerns about food establishments, including suspected food poisoning or allergy incidents, to our environmental health team which works tirelessly to ensure that the food available in Darlington is safe and that food businesses comply with the necessary hygiene legislation."
People visiting takeaways or eating out in Darlington are encouraged to check the establishment's hygiene rating.
Most businesses will display these in their window, but they are also available online at www.ratings.food.gov.uk or via the Food Standards Agency app.
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