The operator of a Belfast restaurant has been fined £2,500 at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for food hygiene offences.
The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council against Red Belfast 7BB Limited, following a number of inspections at the Red Panda restaurant on Great Victoria Street in May 2019.
Environmental Health officers found that the premises, including equipment, were not kept clean and were in disrepair. Food was stored in a way that risked contamination, and staff were seen failing to maintain a high degree of personal hygiene in handling food.
Officers also found a number of live insects in food storage and preparation areas.
The restaurant was given a rating of 1 under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, meaning that major improvement is necessary. Zero is the bottom of the scale, with five at the top.
Ratings must be displayed at the entrance to restaurant premises, and will remain in place until the business is reassessed at its next scheduled inspection, or until an application for a re-inspection is made by the operator.
The council told the court that conditions at the premises have subsequently improved to their satisfaction. Despite this the council has confirmed however the food hygiene rating at Red Panda remains at one until the next assessment.
More information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/food.
