Successful prosecution for food hygiene offences

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Food Safety Team is warning food businesses in the District that having unhygienic conditions in their premises simply will not be tolerated and court action will be taken against those that fail to clean up their act.

The warning comes after the District Council secured a food hygiene prosecution at Leamington Magistrates Court on 3 February 2011 following investigations after a dead fly was discovered in a bacon and egg baguette purchased from Marco's Deli in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ms Sara Esposito of Marco's Deli in Church Street Stratford-upon-Avon pleaded guilty to six offences and was given a conditional discharge for 18 months.  Ms Esposito was not fined due to her financial circumstances but the District Council was awarded £500 costs

The offences were:

1.        Failure to put in place adequate procedures to control pests.

2.        Production and distribution of food that was contaminated.

3.        Failure to provide a crucial wash hand basin with hot running water.

4.        Failure to keep the food premises clean.

5.        Failure to put in place, implement and maintain a procedure based on the Hazard Analysis and   Critical Control Point principles.

6.        Displaying for sale foods past their “use-by" date.

Councillor Simon Jackson, Environment Portfolio says: “Stratford District Council will not tolerate any business that prepares food for consumers not reaching the standards required and will take the necessary enforcement.  This business has failed to comply with previous warnings and the District Council had no option but to bring this case before the court.   The District Council takes no pleasure in taking this kind of action, but in the interest of food safety, it will take the necessary action and will continue to ensure that consumers are protected by taking a consistent, appropriate and balanced approach to enforcement."

The majority of food businesses in Stratford-on-Avon District do comply with strict hygiene regulations and a number of local businesses attend food safety seminars organised by the District Council.  Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Food Safety Team aims to ensure that all food produced, in the District is safe to eat and complies with food safety legislation. This is achieved through inspection, education, training, advice, enforcement and investigation of complaints.

The District Council is part of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, 'Scores on the Doors' a UK-wide scheme initiative developed between the Food Standards Agency (FSA), food businesses, local authorities and other related organisations.  This scheme allows consumers to make informed choices about the places in which they eat out and from which they purchase food, and through this, to encourage businesses to improve hygiene standards.