An Oldham restaurant has been slapped with a court fine after mouse and rat poo was found on ‘food preparation equipment’ during a hygiene check.
In November last year an officer from Oldham council’s environmental health team visited BBQ’d on Union Street for a routine food hygiene inspection.
Chiefs say that the officer found that the premises had not been kept clean or maintained in good repair and condition, and equipment was not kept in a clean condition.
They said mouse and rat droppings were found throughout the restaurant site and on food preparation equipment.
Dirt and food debris was found at floor and wall junctions and there was an ‘accumulation of grease’ on the floor underneath the equipment sink.
At Tameside Magistrates’ Court on November 30 this year, BBQ’d Limited pleaded guilty to two charges in relation to the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
They were fined £1,400 with £140 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £500 costs.
In mitigation it was said the owner had resolved the problem quickly and the business requested a revisit for re-rating, this was carried out on January 23, where the business achieved a food hygiene rating of 4 – the second highest possible rating.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and culture, said: “Oldham council takes food safety very seriously, and anyone who puts the safety of residents at risk face action.”
“It’s good that this business has learned its lesson and has since obtained a food hygiene rating of 4.
“However, no business should allow its hygiene levels to fall that low otherwise we will take them to court.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted BBQ’d for comment.
