I am just glad that i do not like pizza however shocked to read this recent case. I am fully supportive and welcome this outcome.
A Plymouth pizza shop owner has been given a lifetime ban from running a food business, after serving up a pizza with mouse droppings baked into the crust.
He pleaded guilty to five food hygiene offences, and in addition to the ban, was sentenced to 60 hours community work on each count to run concurrently, and ordered to pay a contribution to costs of £500.
The court heard that a customer contacted the local council about the pizza, which was ordered as a treat for a boy who had just left hospital. When they complained about the strange taste they were told “At least you didn’t eat all of it.”
Visiting Environmental Health Officers found a serious mouse infestation with droppings throughout the premises and on food equipment and surfaces. The pizza shop was closed until the health risk had been removed.
After the premises had re-opened, a follow-up inspection was carried out a few months later. Mouse droppings were again discovered, together with numerous structural problems and evidence of poor cleaning.
In mitigation, the court heard that poor financial circumstances had led to the offences. Pest control procedures were in place, but were not adequate. Councillor Mike Leaves, Cabinet Member for Community Services (Street Scene, Waste and Sustainability) said:
“We have a duty to protect the public from food poisoning and the sale of unfit food. Cases like this are extreme, however, where there are serious breaches of food safety requirements, legal action like this will be taken.
“Plymouth City Council works hard to help businesses to maintain good standards of hygiene. Food businesses play a vital part in our economy and city life and people need to be confident in them.”
The offences under the General Food Regulations 2004 and Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006, included a failure to comply with food safety requirements; to keep food premises clean and maintained in good condition; to protect food at all stages of production, processing and distribution against any contamination; and to have adequate procedures in place to control pests.
Judge Paul Darlow told the shop owner:
“The first thing I want to do is make sure you are never again in a position to serve food to the citizens of Plymouth or indeed anywhere else.”
It has been reported that the business ceased trading earlier this year due to the publicity surrounding the case.
Food safety and hygiene is critical, many people still do not realise that potentially they could be dealing with a fatality if it all goes wrong.
Check you pizzas first :0)
Best wishes
Alan
