A food business operator has been ordered to pay £1000 for a string of food safety and hygiene offences at his Pegswood takeaway. 
 

Mohammad Khan of Beaumont Court, Pegswood, pleaded guilty to seven charges in contravention of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. 

He was prosecuted by Northumberland County Council following an inspection of Pegswood Tandoori by Environmental Health Officers in July 2021. 

Whilst conducting their visit, Environmental Health Officers found evidence of a live rat infestation, a poor standard of cleanliness throughout the premises and additionally an inadequate documented food safety management system which is required by all food businesses under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.  

Following the inspection, the business received a zero-star rating under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, facilitated nationally by the Food Standards Agency. 

The Court heard that during the inspection, officers found all areas of the premises to be dirty including, worksurfaces, appliances and preparation utensils and equipment. Raw and ready to eat food were being prepared in very close proximity therefore increasing the risk of cross contamination which can lead to food poisoning. Additionally, Mr Khan had failed to fully implement and maintain a documented food safety management system, required by law in which all food businesses must prove, demonstrate and document how the business provides safe, wholesome food to their customers. 

An Environmental Health Officer from Northumberland County Council is now working closely with Mr Khan to support and train him to maintain good food hygiene standards and to ensure he is very clear what he is required to do by law.  

  

Philip Soderquest, service director for public protection said: 

“Residents need to be confident the food they purchase from the county’s food premises is safe and we take this kind of offence very seriously. 

“We would much rather work with businesses to help them stay the right side of the law and ensure customers have the standards they deserve when eating out. Our officers work closely with owners to guide them through all they need and make repeat visits to check progress on any improvements which have been asked for. But this prosecution sends out a clear message, if you ignore your responsibilities and put the public at risk you could end up with a hefty fine through the courts.” 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, cabinet member with responsibility for public protection added: 

“The management of this business in its handling, storing and general work practices in food safety and hygiene was simply not good enough and potentially presented a high risk of harm to his customers. We are pleased with the outcome of this case.”