Nelson business fined nearly £20,000 for seven food hygiene offences
A food business in Nelson has been fined almost £20,000 after being found guilty of seven food hygiene offences.
A & H Halal Meat Limited, based at 63 Scotland Road, appeared before Burnley Magistrates’ Court where the company was ordered to pay a total of £19,824.
The penalties included a £14,000 fine, £3,824 in court costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
The prosecution related to multiple breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations under Regulation 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
According to the court proceedings, the company failed to ensure staff working in food-handling areas maintained proper personal cleanliness and wore suitable protective clothing.
The business was also found to have failed to keep food-contact equipment and fittings in good repair and condition to minimise contamination risks. In addition, the premises were not maintained in a clean condition and equipment was not effectively cleaned or disinfected where necessary.
Further offences included failing to implement and maintain food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, as well as failing to establish proper food traceability throughout production, processing and distribution.
The court also heard that documents outlining food safety procedures were not kept up to date.
Phillip Spurr, Director of Place at Pendle Borough Council, said businesses failing to comply with food safety legislation “will not be tolerated.”
He added: “It’s vitally important that we protect customers from businesses which put people’s health at risk.
“Our Environmental Health team works hard to ensure the public’s safety; and is on hand to give businesses the advice they need to ensure they are providing the best possible service.”
The case highlights the importance of strict compliance with food hygiene regulations and ongoing monitoring of food businesses to protect public health across the borough.