Food business fined thousands for 'disgusting' Slough premises
Slough Borough Council’s environmental health team secured a successful prosecution on Friday, January 4th, against Skyways Brassiere on London Road.
Jagdeep Dhawan, owner of the Slough brassiere, pleaded guilty to failing to keep the food premises clean and maintained in good repair and condition, and was fined £4,704 including costs.
On the 8th November 2006, a routine food hygiene inspection was carried out at Skyways Brassiere, trading within the Skyways Hotel and found the kitchen and food rooms extremely dirty.
A large accumulation of long term dirt and old food residue was found around the walls and floor joints. The extraction canopy was extremely greasy; food equipment was unclean with long term accumulations of thick grease and dirt, and inadequate provisions were made for the hygienic washing and drying of hands.
The floor in the Slough kitchen was heavily contaminated with grease and dirt which made it so slippery it posed a risk to workers health and safety. The inspecting senior environmental health officer actually fell over during the visit, causing bruising and swelling to her knees.
On 16th November 2006, a re-visit was carried out to see if recommended changes had been made, but the premises’ again was found not to be clean.
Levine Whitham, senior environmental health officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “After the second visit and the lack of compliance from Mrs Dhawan to clean the premises, more evidence was collected in light of taking formal action. A health and safety improvement notice was served and an inspection report was sent to the food business operator.
“Photographs were taken of the dirt, and scrapings of dirt and grease was collected from the floor in several locations throughout the kitchen. Scrapings included hair, dried food, brown grease, glass, and black composite dirt.
“This was a disgusting kitchen and case of neglect, both for staff working there, and for the customers eating at the restaurant. I am so pleased with the outcome of the hearing and the fine.”
The case was heard at Maidenhead Magistrate Court with the magistrate’s opinion being that Mrs Dhawan had absolutely no respect for the environmental health issues or the environmental health officer's previous warnings.
The magistrate warned that if standards are not maintained, the company will be shut down.
Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Well done to Levine and her team for doing such a wonderful job.
“It beggars belief that any respectful person could operate their business like this. We will not tolerate such behaviour which could put others at risk and I hope this story will go out to others to take such environmental visits seriously.”
Slough Borough Council