A Salmonella outbreak which infected 54 people, putting two in intensive care, was traced to a Kirkby takeaway.

dPoor hygiene procedures at Wok’s Cooking, in Richard Hesketh Drive, Westvale, are believed to have allowed the potentially deadly bacteria to pass from eggs sourced from a European supplier to other food in July last year.

Hidayet Tayar, who has owned the business for nine years, was ordered to pay £12,000 in fines and costs at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

Tayar, 54, of Ness Grove, Kirkby, pleaded guilty to four counts of failing to comply with EU provisions concerning food safety and hygiene, under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.

Peter McCaughley, prosecuting on behalf of Knowsley council, said the youngest victim of the outbreak was a two-year-old toddler and the oldest was aged 74.

The court heard Knowsley Council Food Safety Officers were alerted to the problem on July 14, 2014, by a couple treated in hospital for suspected food poisoning after eating at Wok’s Cooking.

The premises were inspected by council officers the following day.