A woman has been prosecuted at Blackpool Magistrates Court for food hygiene offences at her takeaway, the Lucky Star.



She pleaded guilty to nine offences and was sentenced under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.

Xue Mei Zhang, aged 31 of Park Road, Blackpool, was fined £400, ordered to pay costs of £380 and a victim surcharge of £30 on the 17 May 2017. The sentence related to the poor standards of hygiene at premises at 205 Park Rd, Blackpool.

Her husband who works at the takeaway accepted a simple caution, acknowledging that he also had a responsibility to keep the kitchen clean.

Environmental Health officers from Blackpool Council were shocked by their findings during two visits in September of last year. They demanded an immediate clean up on the first visit but little had been done to remedy the issues during the two days between inspection. Officers removed signage indicating a food hygiene rating of four, and the business was asked to close until a thorough deep clean had taken place.

The floor was filthy with grease and food debris was visible throughout the kitchen, the bottom of the fridge and even in the front counter area. Grease was found dripping from the ventilation canopy and congealing on kitchen equipment controls. Utensils were dirty and some were covered in rust.

Additional findings were dirt in the sinks, grime around taps and dirty cloths and scrubbing brushes in use. No soap or towels were available when using the hand washbasin.

Tim Coglan, Blackpool Council, Service Manager for Public Protection, said: “Our officers are committed to ensuring that premises supplying food adhere to the required hygiene regulations in order to safely provide food to both residents and visitors to the town.

“We had no hesitation in prosecuting the Lucky Star for failing to meet its obligations and will pursue other premises that show a disregard for public health and safety.

“We are pleased that the courts imposed a fine, and hopefully this will deter other business owners from preparing and serving food in conditions that could put the public at risk.

“We would recommend that people check the Food Standards Agency website which helps consumers choose where to eat or shop for food by giving them information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, takeaways and food shops.