Food Safety

Blackpool takeaway fined over £3,000 for cross-contamination of food 14/06/2011 A Blackpool Chinese takeaway has been fined £2,500 after Environmental Health Officers discovered a serious risk of cross-contamination.

An inspection of the restaurant in September 2010 revealed raw beef was being stored above cooked meat in a fridge.

Other cooked meat was being kept at above 80C and not stored correctly in a fridge. Flies were also found on food in the kitchen.

Kitchen staff were not given soap at the hand wash basins and food equipment and containers were in a dirty condition. The premises were also filthy and damage to the floor meant it could not be properly cleaned.

The owner had been served with hygiene improvement notices previously in 2007 and 2008 and had also received a caution in October 2009.

The case was heard at Blackpool magistrates court. In addition to the fine the owner was ordered to pay costs of £895 and a £15 victims’ surcharge.

The CIEH spoke to a member of the council: ‘We place the utmost importance upon protecting the health of the resort’s population.

‘I hope this sends out a clear message that although the majority of Blackpool businesses are well run, we will not shy away from tackling poorly run ones.’

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