Kirklees catering suppliers fined after rat and bird poo discovered close to food
The two companies admitted a total of 27 offences between them
Two Kirklees catering suppliers have been fined a combined total of almost £28,000, after inspectors found serious food safety failings at their sites in Batley.
Kirklees Council's Environmental Health Service visited premises being used by the companies, Halal Catering Supplies BATLEY Ltd and Halal Catering Supplies Ltd, back in March.
Inside one of the units, being used by Halal Catering Supplies BATLEY Ltd, rat droppings and bird poo were found in areas being used to store ingredients, tinned goods and drinks.
A dead rat was also found underneath a pallet of drink, with food containers being contaminated
In units used by Halal Catering Supplies Ltd, where doner kebabs were being made, inspectors found dirty food preparation areas and equipment, as well as a lack of monitoring records.
They also discovered a pallet of chicken that was over a year past its use by date.
Councillor Munir Ahmed, of Kirklees Council, said: “Officers from Kirklees Council’s Environmental Team visited Halal Catering Supplies Ltd and Halal Catering Supplies BATLEY Ltd on 8 March 2024."
“The visit identified an imminent risk to public health due to rat infestations and numerous other food hygiene offences.
"As a result, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, the premises closed, and a successful prosecution was carried out.
"Since then, our Environmental Officers have worked with the business to assist it to meet the relevant food hygiene legislation.
“Only when officers were completely satisfied that this business had reached the required safe standard of operation was it allowed to begin trading again.
“I would encourage all food and catering businesses in the borough to check they are meeting the food hygiene standards and that staff are properly trained to the appropriate level.
"Please do take advantage of the training our officers provide.”
Halal Catering Supplies BATLEY Ltd was fined £15,000, a surcharge of £2,000 and cost contribution of £2,270.
Halal Catering Supplies Ltd was fined £4,000, a surcharge £1,600 and cost contribution of £2,270.
Both firms admitted culpability early and have since made significant changes, including bringing in new directors and someone to oversee food production full-time.