An illegal food factory owner in Erith was fined £14,000 after admitting that his “ready to eat” food produced on site was not produced hygienically.

‘SOY’ business owner Tony Chuoc Ha Lam pleaded guilty to 14 offences under food safety legislation at Bexley Magistrates’ Court last Monday (April 14).

Food safety officers from Bexley Council found the Hailey Road premises in a “filthy” condition with extensive mold growing, filthy equipment, leaking drains, no hand washing facilities, inadequate and dirty protective clothing, and an active rodent infestation when they first visited them.

The business was not registered with the council, despite this being a legal requirement, and had no systems in place to ensure foods produced on site were safe to eat.

Bexley Council claim the hygiene conditions at the food factory were so poor they presented an imminent risk to health.