Leagrave takeaway fined nearly £16k after mice droppings and poor hygiene uncovered

The Grill Hot & Spicy Piri Piri takeaway on Leagrave Road, Luton, was closed immediately using hygiene emergency prohibition powers following a routine hygiene inspection by a food and safety officer in November 2018.

The Grill Hot & Spicy Piri Piri pleaded guilty to nine food hygiene offences at Luton Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 20.

The company was fined £14,370 and Mohammed Fayaz, 44, of St Ethelberts Avenue, Luton, was fined £1,513 as a director of the company. This included a surcharge of £40 and £273.75 costs.

Since the closure, the takeaway has carried out all of the required improvements in food handling and hygiene practices, leading to a recent food hygiene rating of 4.

Cllr Aslam Khan, portfolio holder for public protection, said: "It is essential that food business owners take their responsibilities seriously when operating a food business and we’re pleased to see that significant improvements have been made.

"We expect good standards of cleanliness and maintenance in food premises to keep residents safe, and the majority in Luton do adhere to food hygiene regulations and do have high ratings in place. Our 'Friday Fives; social media campaign demonstrates this, as do the ratings for food businesses on the food hygiene website.

“Any food premises and their owners face prosecution for continued non-compliance as we are ambitious for our town and its reputation, which includes great food offerings in our restaurants, takeaways and food retail outlets.”

All food businesses must have adequate procedures in place to control pests and should use registered pest controllers if necessary.

Businesses can obtain advice and guidance or use the council’s own pest control service by calling 01582 546814 or emailing [email protected].