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Tag for takeaway boss with dirty kitchen

13/ 5/2008

A TAKEAWAY owner has been electronically tagged after failing to maintain hygiene standards at his business.

Abdul Razaq, who owns the Punjab Takeaway on Waterloo Street, Glodwick, Oldham voluntarily closed the outlet after an unannounced visit from environmental health officers on March 23, last year.

The premises had a large infestation of oriental cockroaches which Razaq had not taken suitable steps to deal with.

It was also found that the standard of cleaning was inadequate.

The kitchen floor was dirty and there were food spills which had not been cleaned up.

Equipment such as chopping boards were unclean, uncovered food had been left out from the night before and cooked chicken was being stored in a refrigerator which was not working properly.

Due to the conditions, an imminent risk to health existed and the business was closed all weekend while pest treatments and training were carried out.

The takeaway reopened three days later when the immediate risk to health had been removed.

Razaq pleaded guilty to four food safety offences on February 27 this year at Oldham Magistrates’ Court. Magistrates referred the case to Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, for sentencing.

On April 25, the judge sentenced Razaq to a four-month custodial sentence suspended for two years.

He was also electronically tagged and must abide by a curfew between 6.30pm and 6.30am for the next three months. No costs were awarded.