The owner of Halesowen Mini Market & Butchers, Mr Farouk Rasoul, pleaded guilty to six offences under food hygiene and safety legislation at Dudley Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 22 October).
The court heard that during two visits to the High Street premises last year, Dudley Council’s environmental health officers uncovered a number of serious food safety breaches. These included ready-to-eat food being sold past its use-by date and mouldy, rotting vegetables found on display.
Food was also exposed to a risk of cross-contamination, and several areas of the premises were found to be dirty or in poor repair. Officers noted that no hand drying materials were available at the toilet wash basin, and staff had received insufficient training in food hygiene and safety. Additionally, food safety procedures had not been properly implemented, with no allergen information provided for some ready-to-eat items.
Mr Rasoul was fined £550 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £220, along with costs of £1,941.05.
Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member for development and regulation, said:
“Food safety is vital, and the conditions found at this premises fell far short of the standards expected.
“We will always act where public health is at risk, and this prosecution sends a clear message that we won’t hesitate to hold businesses to account.
“I would like to praise our environmental health and legal teams for their thorough work in bringing this case to court.”