Littlehampton take-away fined after rats spotted

Arun District Council has successfully prosecuted Bethel Catering UK Ltd, for food safety offences found at Chicken Cottage, in East Street.

Two environmental health officers inspected the site in August, 2013, after a member public had taken a photo of a rat she had seen inside the fast-food outlet.

During this inspection the officers found clear evidence of a rat infestation both inside and outside the premises.

The eatery was closed down due to an imminent risk to public heath.

There had been previous warnings given about poor standards at the premises and following the inspection in August last year, the company was prosecuted for a number of offences including inadequate procedures to control pests, food not being protected against contamination with raw burgers stored above cooked chicken in the fridge and raw meat cut on a board on a ledge between two sinks.

Earlier this month, the company was fined a total of £4,000 and was ordered to pay full costs of £1,555.09 and a victim surcharge of £120, totalling £5,675.09.

Councillor Terence Chapman, Arun’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Arun District Council officers always try and work with businesses, offering advice and guidance but where there are clear breaches of the law and a risk to public health further action will be taken.

“The owner of Chicken Cottage had ignored previous warnings, leaving no option but to take further action.” Environmental Health Officers are continuing to work closely with the owner of the business and undertake regular inspections.

Members of the public are reminded to look out for Food Hygiene Ratings for businesses.

All businesses selling food to the public are given a food hygiene rating from 0, urgent improvement necessary, to 5 very good; depending on the food safety standards found when they are inspected by officers from Environmental Health. The ratings can be found on the food hygiene ratings website www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

Businesses are also issued with stickers to allow them to advertise their ratings, so if you don’t see a sticker showing a good rating, check the rating on the website.