Eaterie fined for failing to control mice
AN Accrington town centre takeaway has been prosecuted for failing to adequately control pests and mice.
Home Run, on Blackburn Road, was visited by environmental health officers between November 2018 and January 2019 as part of a crackdown operation on food hygiene and safety.
The company Illah Limited, trading as Home Run, was prosecuted by Hyndburn Council for failing to adequately control pests, specifically mice, failing to keep the food business clean and failing to ensure that food was protected against contamination. Bosses admitted being in breach of eight food hygiene offences under food safety and hygiene regulations.
The takeaway was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £3,400 costs during a hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court.
Steve Riley, executive director for environment, said: “Following the completion of the new town square, the council is determined to raise the standard of the buildings along this important gateway into the town centre, including working with owners bringing back their empty building into use and ensuring food outlets provide safe food.
“Over 95 per cent of food businesses across Hyndburn are currently compliant under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and environmental health officers work very closely with businesses to ensure they know the law and in most cases offer help, advice and some free training where we can.
“However, in a very small number of cases, prosecution is the only option, especially where businesses have a blatant disregard to food safety or a history of noncompliance.”
The Observer has contacted Home Run for comment.