A local Indian Takeaway, trading as ‘Vijays’ and registered as Vijays Indian Since 1992 at 90 Tavistock Street, Bedford has received a fine of £12,000 after pleading guilty to 8 food hygiene offences. As a result of a visit to the premises by Bedford Borough Council’s Regulatory Services team on 18th May 2017, the visit identified a serious infestation of cockroaches where Environmental Health Officers identified that the hygiene and safety standards at the premises fell far below the legal standards expected from a food business that is open to the public. The conditions found at the premises and the extent of the food safety issues identified required officers to take immediate action to protect the public.
Intervention by Environmental Health Officers resulted in the food business agreeing to temporarily close the premises and cease trading. During the closure actions were taken to bring the pest infestation under control and improve standards within the premises, in order to ensure that food could be prepared safely and in a manner that did not present an imminent risk to the public. Significant improvements were made following a series of re-inspections which permitted the establishment to reopen after 6 days. Further improvements were made including formal staff training, replacement of equipment, documented food safety management system, pest-proofing of the premises and implementing a formal pest control contract.
On 17th July 2018, Vijays Indian Bedford Limited, trading as Vijays and registered as Vijays Indian Since 1992 at 90 Tavistock Street, Bedford MK41 2RX and Mr Mohi Uddin Rubel, a director of the company, pleaded guilty to the charges laid. Vijays Indian Bedford Limited received a fine of £12,000 which reflected the early submission of a guilty plea and co-operation with officers following the closure of the business. Mr Mohi Uddin Rubel also received a fine of £375.
Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said, “The vast majority of food establishments in Bedford Borough operate to a safe standard and serve their customers well. However, where that is not the case, Bedford Borough Council takes strong action as ensuring that food safety and hygiene standards are effectively regulated is a priority for the Council. This case demonstrates that the Council’s Environmental Health Officers do not hesitate to take the necessary enforcement action where food businesses do not comply with their legal obligations and their actions present a risk to the health of the public .”
To find out more about Environmental Health & Trading Standards at Bedford Borough Council, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/environhealth
