THE owner of a café in Redditch has been fined for breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations.
Keith Robert Troth, aged 60 of Mercot Close, Oakenshaw, pleaded guilty at Redditch Magistrates Court on Thursday (May 11) for failing to ensure food was protected against contamination, lacking the required procedures for cleaning and food control, and failing to keep premises clean and in good condition.
The case was brought by Redditch borough council after a routine food hygiene inspection at Mr Troth’s Cerrones Café in Oxleasow Road in October last year had found mouse activity and a build-up of dirt and debris.
The court heard that Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) had carried out the inspection while the café was open and serving food on October 5, 2016.
Mouse droppings were found in food preparation areas and on the counter top next to dishes of cooked food and a drinks machine. Signs of mice were also noted in storage areas, including on open lids of food storage containers, and a pack of blue paper rolls containing chewed up paper and mouse droppings were also found.
A build-up of dirt and debris had also indicated a lack of cleaning procedures.
Magistrates took account of Mr Troth’s limited finances, lack of previous convictions, and early guilty plea in fining him £500 for four offences, and awarding costs of £1,000 plus a victim surcharge of £50.
Simon Wilkes, Head of WRS, said: “Food safety regulations are there to protect public health and breaches of them can be a serious matter. While this café had to be closed immediately in light of the problem last year, it quickly reopened again with WRS officers working closely with Mr Troth to ensure the improvements were made. The refurbished café now holds a four star, or good, Food Hygiene Rating.”
