The owners of the Rose of Kashmir (Dudley) Ltd and Balti 4 U Ltd, both based in Dudley, were found guilty of numerous hygiene offences at Dudley Magistrates’ Court.

During an inspection in August 2017, environmental health officers found dirty equipment at the Rose of Kashmir. In addition, raw chicken was stored above cooked items in the fridge and there were inadequate procedures to control pests.

Officers carried out further inspections in March 2018, but the same problems were present including raw chicken being stored above cooked food in the fridge.

In total, the Rose of Kashmir (Dudley) Ltd was found guilty of sixteen hygiene offences and representatives of the company failed to attend Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 5 December 2018. The Court ordered the company to pay a fine of £16,000 with £801 costs payable and a victim surcharge of £170.

Faiz Rasul, manager of the Rose of Kashmir (Dudley) Ltd had pleaded guilty to offences at a hearing on 3 October 2018. The Court ordered Mr Rasul to pay a fine of £2,880 with £801 costs payable and a victim surcharge of £170.

Balti 4 U Ltd was fined £10,500 with £1,140 costs and a victim surcharge of £170.

Health inspectors visited Balti 4 U in November 2017 and found numerous hygiene breaches, including; dirty conditions relating to doors, dirty food storage areas, dirty shelving and wall tiles, a defective microwave and defective food storage containers.

In addition, food was being stored in the lobby leading to the toilets, and raw meat was stored next to ready-to-eat food in the fridge.

Both businesses are now operating under new owners with new names.

If you or your business are faced with an investigation or prosecution for breaching food safety or food hygiene regulations, call our specialist Regulatory Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400 for advice and assistance.