Food Safety

A Surrey restaurant owner has been found guilty after failing to appear at court to face two food hygiene charges.

The owner of the Chinese restaurant was fined £2,180 in his absence for four offences at Redhill magistrates court, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

The prosecution was brought by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council after Environmental Health Officers made a routine inspection of the premises in March 2009.

The owner was served with two hygiene improvement notices for inadequate cleaning and lack of a food safety management system. But a follow-up inspection in May 2010 revealed that no action had been taken.

The council said the restaurant had made the ‘necessary improvements’ following the prosecution.

An executive member for enforcement, added: ‘The council makes every effort to work with businesses to help them comply with the sensible legal requirements that are there to protect people and prevent sickness and ill health.

‘Unfortunately, the proprietor missed the opportunity to work with the council to resolve the various food safety and hygiene concerns, with the only resort being legal action to ensure compliance and food safety for all customers.’