Takeaway operator fined over hygiene offences including having no soap

Ishtiaq Ahmed, operator of Spicy Bites Pizzeria in Leamington Spa, admitted failing to keep the takeaway clean and in good order. Magistrates had heard that the premises had not been rodent-proofed, food equipment was dirty, and no sanitiser or soap was available.

Ahmed was told that public health had been put at risk due to his failure to act, despite numerous interventions by Warwick District Council's food safety officers in 2018.

The authority's head of health and community protection, Marianne Rolfe, said: "Warwick District Council works on a daily basis with food businesses to encourage high standards and to protect the public.

"The majority of our food businesses do a great job, with 84% of businesses scoring the top ‘5' food hygiene rating. However, when we have businesses who persistently fail to comply with the standards required of them and, as a result, put the health of our residents at risk, we will always take enforcement action against them."

Ahmed was ordered to pay a fine of £666, costs of £3,104 and a victim surcharge of £66.

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).