Oldham council continues to clamp down on food safety

Arbeez Takeaway

Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted the owner of a takeaway for breaching food safety laws.
 
On 15 August 2018, a council officer carried out a routine food hygiene inspection at Arbeez on Yorkshire Street in Oldham.
 
The premises were found to be dirty with food debris and mouse droppings present. In addition there were areas of bare brickwork and bare wooden panelling.
 
Muhammed Sajid Shafiq, of Humber Street, Cheetham Hill, appeared as a representative of Arbeez at Tameside Magistrates court on 21 March 2019.
 
Shafiq pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and was fined a total of £933. 
 
He was also ordered to pay contribution costs of £950 plus a victim surcharge of £93.
 
Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive at Oldham Council, said: “Within the last 15 months, the council has carried out 1,220 food inspections. 
 
“Less than two per cent of inspections have resulted in prosecution meaning the vast majority of our businesses owners are running premises that operate within the law.
 
“Although 98 per cent of these visits result in no prosecution, it is important that we continue these inspections on a regular basis to ensure that establishments are complying with the food safety standards.”

 
From 1 January 2018, the council has successfully carried out 23 prosecutions at 22 different food businesses. Arbeez is the 23rd case to be prosecuted in 15 months. 
 
The overall total for fines from these prosecutions to date is £98,357.98, including contribution costs and victim surcharges.

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