Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Public Health Department have successfully prosecuted the owners of a local food premises in Merthyr Tydfil for food hygiene offences.
Following an inspection on 18th March, 2009; Merthyr Kebab of 87 High Street, Pontmorlais were found guilty of several food hygiene offences.
Offences included keeping ready to eat food both in a fridge and on display in a manner that posed a risk of contamination with harmful bacteria from raw meats. In addition there was a lack of adequate records to make sure food safety checks and procedures are working as they should and a lack of adequate food hygiene training for two members of staff.
The premises had been warned repeatedly over these issues and had received several legal notices in the year 2008/9 leading up to the offences. Despite complying on each occasion, Merthyr Kebab had failed to maintain compliance without intervention from the Public Health Department.
Owners and business partners Mr Majid Alwan and Mr Hassan Hussein were each fined a total of £1307.50 including costs, making a total fine of £2615 for the business at Merthyr Magistrates Courts on 22nd Jan 2010.
David Dier, Head of Public Health for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council commented “It is the responsibility of Merthyr Tydfil’s Public Health Department to protect the public, who consume food from the commercial premises, from food poisoning and ensure that safe and hygienic practices are maintained at all times.
We will continue to inspect businesses and take firm action against those who fail to ensure their hygienic practices comply with the law, particularly where there is a history of warnings”.
For further information on the Public Heath Department, visit the Council’s website www.merthyr.gov.uk or http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/Home/Local+Services/Public+Health/default.htm
