Poor hygiene lands bakery in trouble with £13,400 penalty

As part of the council's priority programme to ensure residents' health is protected, the council's food health and safety team found Burrage and Son Limited operating with poor hygiene practices.  

An inspection carried out in April 2021 found the level of cleaning and maintenance of equipment and areas used for the preparation of food was extremely poor. Dirt, debris and black mould were found on surfaces, in storage areas and on containers and equipment that came into direct contact with food. A frying pan heavily encrusted with grease and food debris was found to be used to cook food for the customers. 

Concerns around handwashing were raised when staff preparing high risk ready-to-eat foods were observed washing their hands with dishwashing liquid and drying their hands on a dirty towel. The basin for washing hands was not being used frequently.  

The council prosecuted Burrage and Son Limited and at the hearing at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 11 January 2022 the business and its owner pleaded guilty to failing to implement a food safety management system. 

The business was ordered to pay a fine of £9,000 for hygiene offences, a victim surcharge of £190 and £2,744 in legal costs. The owner, Mr Burrage, was fined £1,333 and a victim surcharge of £133.  

Cllr John Riley, Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Transport, said: "Our job is to protect the public no matter how big or small the risk. In this instance, although the business has now made the required improvements, they did not do enough at the time and ultimately paid the price for neglecting their duty to protect the public. 

"To any business wanting advice and support on food hygiene, please just ask, our officers will advise and assist you to ensure you are complying and keeping the public safe from harm - and avoid a similar fate."  

In April 2021, Mr Burrage agreed to close the business temporarily and improved hygiene standards for which it was rerated in June under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme as a 3 (Generally Satisfactory).