Two Hyndburn food businesses faced fines and temporary closure due to severe hygiene violations, including rat infestations.
Inspectors discovered rats and droppings in the areas where they made food. Both businesses admitted their guilt at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on January 29.
Golden Harvest Foods faced an inspection in October 2023. The inspectors found many pests and issues with keeping pests out. The place wasn’t clean, which risked contaminating the food. They shut down until things improved.
The pest problem seemed old, and the business didn’t act until the visit. Golden Harvest admitted to three violations under food safety rules from 2013. They had to pay a £6,000 fine, along with £3,772.86 for costs.
A concerned person contacted Hyndburn Council, which led to a visit to Double Decker Diner in November 2023. Inspectors located a dead rat. Droppings were present all over the place.
They found issues with cleanliness and waste storage. Food wasn’t protected from getting contaminated. The diner also closed down temporarily until the owners fixed the problems.
Stuart Cougill, who owned the diner, admitted guilt to five violations from the 2013 regulations. The court fined him £500. He paid £800 in costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
Both places fixed the hygiene issues later and took steps to make sure problems don’t happen again. Council officers visited each one often. The visits ensured better standards, and now, both are operating well.
Councilor Melissa Fisher spoke about the importance of hygiene rules. She stated these rules protect public health. Food businesses must be clean and safe and cannot have any pests.
Fisher expressed concerns that the businesses only acted after the inspection. She noted businesses must keep pests away and keep things clean to protect consumers.
According to Fisher, the council has various tools to help them ensure businesses comply. Prosecuting is only for the most serious cases. These are some options available to ensure compliance with the rules.