THE company Sygnity Limited and its director have been fined a total of £4,736 after pleading guilty to four food and hygiene offences which were identified at a shop in Redditch.
On January 23, 2017, company director, Ewelina Maria Chelpa, of Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury, entered guilty pleas to all offences which included failing to have in place adequate procedures to control pests.
The case follows an inspection at the ‘Polish Shop’ also known as ‘The Corner Shop’ on Beoley Road West, by Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ Environmental Health Team on June 2015.
They spotted a number of food hygiene contraventions including a lack of hand washing facilities, poor stock control and inadequate staff training. The premises had also failed to register as a food business.
Although inspectors made it clear that improvements were required a follow up visit in September 2015 revealed further food safety violations including fresh and dried mouse droppings on the floor throughout the store.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which immediately closed the shop to the public was obtained and a formal Order was made by the court shortly afterwards.
Yesterday Redditch Magistrates fined both the company and 31-year-old Ms Chelpa for offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. Ms Chelpa and the company were fined £400 for each offence, costs totalling £1,457 and a victim surcharges of £40.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “Our normal process – apart from in extreme cases – is to help businesses help themselves before it is necessary to take court action. Our main concern will always be for the health, wellbeing and safety of the general public.”
