‘Revolting’ UK takeaway where personal hygiene of workers landed owner hefty fine

Poor personal hygiene of workers, dirty cleaning cloths and food contamination risks have landed a takeaway owner with a hefty fine.

Santino’s in LoftusNasir Butt had a “considerable lack of control” in the running of Santino’s in Loftus, Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard.

When it was first inspected in August last year, officers found the business was not kept clean and in good repair.

Dirty cloths were used to clean areas of the kitchen, while raw meat was stored with ready-to-eat food.

A food handler was found wearing a dirty and damaged bandage, reports the Gazette.

Janine Morgan, prosecuting for Redcar and Cleveland Council, said there was a “risk of contamination from poor personal hygiene, poor food handling procedures and an overall lack of food safety management.”

Butt was not present at the first inspection.

And the court heard he subsequently made efforts to improve the situation.

But when officers paid a return visit, poor conditions were still identified, said Ms Morgan.

The shop was closed in February and is now run by a new owner, the court heard.

And Butt, a father-of-four, is no longer involved in the food industry and works as a painter and decorator.

The 55-year-old, of Eaglescliffe, pleaded guilty to seven offences under health and safety regulations.

Butt was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs and charges of £1,025.