Nelson takeaway fined for poor food safety and hygiene

 

Amjad Choudrey Mahmood, food business operator and director of UK Fried Chicken, 82 Manchester Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, when he appeared at Burnley Magistrates Court.

Mr Mahmood failed to ensure that:

• Hot holding of high-risk ready to eat foods was kept above 630C
• High-risk food was stored at a temperature below 80C
• Corrective action was taken when temperatures of high-risk food was not controlled
• Equipment was kept clean
• Food handlers were trained
• Food Safety Management procedures were in place

The Court considered Mr Mahmood’s previous food hygiene convictions and history of poor compliance and was very clear that standards had to improve to comply with the legislation, as it would not be so lenient next time.

Mr Mahmood was fined £192 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000, plus a £77 victim surcharge - totalling £1,269.

Emma Barker, Legal Services Manager, prosecuting for Pendle Borough Council, said: “Despite repeated interventions and advice from Environmental Health officers, Mr Mahmood failed to adequately manage and control these risks, leaving the Council with no alternative but to take formal enforcement action.

“Food businesses are expected to operate safely and maintain effective controls to prevent food poisoning.

“They must follow food hygiene legislation and work responsibly with the Council’s Environmental Health officers.”