Suspended sentence for takeaway owner after string of health offences

A TAKEAWAY operator has been given a suspended prison sentence and is banned from owning a food establishment for life after admitting a string of safety and food hygiene offences.

Shaid Warsi of West Yorkshire appeared before Beverley Magistrates Court on 16 April where he pleaded guilty to seven counts of failing to comply with regulations under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.

Magistrates heard how Warsi was the food business operator of a takeaway under the name of Rajas Indian Cuisine on Carter Street in Goole when on 27 February, 2014, officers from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s food safety team made a routine inspection.

Inspectors found mouldy food, food that was not cooked to safe temperatures while ready to eat food was stored in direct contact with raw meat products posing an imminent risk to public health.

The premises were found to be in a filthy condition. Untrained staff were left to work unsupervised and there were no facilities for staff to wash their hands.
As there was a clear and imminent risk to public health, officers issued an emergency prohibition notice and closed the business immediately.

The premises had a history of poor standards and had been subject to a health and safety prohibition notice from the council in November 2013 for a dangerous gas leak and in April 2014, when Mr Warsi had reopened the premises under the name of Sid’s Place, legal notices were served to ensure his kebab machines and hob ovens were inspected and safe.

Mr Warsi was given a nine month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for the health and safety offences.

For the seven food safety offences, Warsi was fined £700, ordered to pay costs of £2,300 and £80 victim surcharge.

Paul Bellotti, head of housing, transport and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said; “The penalty imposed by the magistrates goes to show just how seriously these health and safety and hygiene offences are viewed.

“It was clear that without formal action being taken against him, this business would have continued to present a risk to public health.

“We welcome the Hygiene Prohibition Order that prevents him from setting up a food business anywhere within the UK.

“It sends out a clear message that those who run food businesses and flaunt the laws that are there to protect the public’s health will not be tolerated.”