Two filthy bakeries have been prosecuted by Oldham Council for breaching food hygiene regulations with mouse droppings, moths and grime found in storage sections.
Nigel Paul Stott, trading as Sykes and Landing Bakers on Rochdale Road, in Shaw, pleaded guilty to three breaches under Food Hygiene at Oldham Magistrates Court on Tuesday November 19.
Jennifer Boardman, director of the Boardman and Bell Bakery, on Oldham Road, in Royton, also pleaded guilty to three breaches under Food Hygiene Regulations in court on the same day.
“These cases send out a stark warning to all food business operators of the penalties they will face if they do not comply with food safety legislation,” said Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Neighbourhoods.
“We make no apologies for acting in the interests of customer safety and will not hesitate to do so.”
During a routine inspection of Boardman and Bell Bakery in March 2013, the health agency found mouse droppings in the storage sections of the building.
After a closer examination inspectors found that the premises had not been suitably cleaned with several built-up areas of grime and debris.
The Bakery was then made to make significant changes to improve the businesses hygienic standards.
But after a follow up investigation this year, standards had deteriorated again and court action was taken.
Environment Health Officers were also alerted by complaints of rodent activity at Sykes and Landing Bakers on January 28.
After an inspection the bakers was found to be severely unhygienic as surfaces were covered in dust and moth activity was common.
All necessary washing facilities were in a state of disregard as the drains were blocked by food debris.
The bakery had closed for business before Christmas 2012 but reopened in January distributing produce to other outlets, since the investigation however the business has been permanently closed.
Mr Stott, of Limefield Terrace, Halifax Road, in Littleborough, was fined £540 by Magistrates with costs of £900 awarded to the Local Authority. He was also ordered to pay £54 victim surcharge.
Magistrates also fined Miss Boardman £630 with costs of £1,050 awarded to the Council. She was also ordered to pay £54 victim surcharge.
Image courtesy of Nolene Dowdall via Flickr, with thanks.
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