Local UK environmental health regulators don’t mess around when it comes to food safety in restaurants. While some jurisdictions go with the name and shame approach, others focus on prosecutions and fines. Both approaches have their benefits and limitations.

According to the Derby Telegraph, the Spotted Cow in Holbrook had a horrendous inspection that led environmental health officers to seek prosecution for the offences. Inspectors found stuff like untrained individuals, no working handwashing facilities and sanitation issues – even after repeated visits. Things were so bad that officials issued a prohibition order that precludes the owner from managing a food business in the future.

Yum.

It was found that the owner, Fiona West-Hunt, had left the premises in the charge of untrained staff and the officer found a number of breaches of food safety law and described the premises as being “dirty, disorganised and in a chaotic state”.

The officer took photos of the kitchen and these were given in evidence to the magistrates’ court.

The premises was reopened after staff had undertaken cleaning but further visits by officers found standards deteriorating and further enforcement was required to ensure the public were not exposed to risks to their health.

Mrs West-Hunt pleaded guilty to six Food Hygiene offences, failing to: implement a food safety management system, keep premises clean, provide adequate hand washing facilities, ensure articles, fittings and equipment that food comes into contact with were cleaned and disinfected, and for not ensuring food handlers area were supervised or adequately trained in food hygiene and for wearing protective clothing in food preparation areas.

Magistrates fined her £350 per offence, plus costs – a total of £4,875. She was also issued with a Prohibition Order preventing her from participating in the management of a food business in the future.