Food supplier handed hygiene emergency order

A food company in Bristol has been issued with a Hygiene Emergency Probation Order (HEPO) by Bristol Magistrates Court after it was found their hygiene standards posed a ‘significant risk’ to public health.

Haven Foods Cash and Carry, operated by Twiggy Food Ltd, supplies fresh vegetables, dry goods and meat and fish products to other businesses within Bristol, and surrounding areas.

They were served the HEPO under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

Haven Foods Cash and Carry’s premises was found to pose a risk to public health, due to significant active mice and rat infestations where food products were contaminated with droppings. Diseases carried by rodents, such as leptospirosis, hantavirus and salmonella can be passed onto humans.

The notice requires the business to stop all business activities and undertake remedial works.

Cllr Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee, said: “I’m glad that a Hygiene Emergency Probation Order was issued to this company.

“I hope that this serves as an example to other businesses and encourages all companies to abide by the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the teams involved in this operation, who continue to keep Bristol and its surrounding areas safe.”

Environmental Health officers will continue to work with the business and monitor progress against the remedial works identified.