Morley takeaway owner hit with large fine following food hygiene investigation

A takeaway owner in Morley has received a large fine after pleading guilty to various food hygiene offences.

This follows the then owner at the time of China Orchid on Britannia Road, Mr Wei Zhong Yang, failing to address immediately a number of issues that had been raised by members of Leeds City Council’s environmental team as part of a previous inspection. Officers found during a revisit to the shop that both the premises and equipment had not been kept clean, while measures were still not in place to prevent the risk of food contamination.

Having admitted three food hygiene charges at Leeds Magistrates Court, Mr Yang was fined in total, £5458.20. A Breakdown of the penalty included a fine of £3500, costs of £1788.20 and a victim surcharge of £170..

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“We are always willing to work with business owners to ensure that the food hygiene standards which are in place in their respective shops or takeaways are of an appropriate standard and meet those the public expect. Unfortunately in this case, the owner in question did not subsequently take the steps that were set out following a previous inspection, which meant we were left with no option following a revisit, to prosecute through the courts.

“When we undertake an inspection of premises and identify any food hygiene areas for improvement, this is not something that can simply be ignored. Business owners can be guaranteed that we will take strong action if we find following another visit, that the work required was not carried out.”

Leeds City Council regulates all food businesses in Leeds and environmental health officers regularly inspect restaurants, takeaways and shops to ensure they comply with strict food safety legislation.

The outcome of these inspections is a rating based on the Food Standard Agency’s national food hygiene rating scheme.

You can check ratings at http://ratings.food.gov.uk/

Businesses can contact the food safety team at Leeds City Council for advice and residents can report any concerns on 0113 378 5900 or food.safety@leeds.gov.uk