Takeaway manager admits poor hygiene practices

The former owner of a takeaway in Heywood has received a six month suspended prison sentence after Rochdale Council proved the fast food retailer fell foul of basic hygiene standards.

Mr Zafar Iqbal, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, who owned the Spicy Kitchen in Heywood in 2005 could be facing six months in prison if he commits further offences or fails to comply with a curfew order.

This has been imposed for 28 days and requires Mr Iqbal to be at home between 10pm and 6am. A prohibition order has also been made preventing him from being involved in the running of any food establishments. In addition, he was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £250.

The sentence imposed by Judge Roddy at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday (22 October) signals an important victory for Rochdale Council’s Food Safety team.

Allan Watson, Food Safety Manager, said: “The Council takes its role of protecting the public very seriously. We will make sure that food businesses that put customers at risk are dealt with appropriately using all of the legal powers that are available to us.”

Food Safety Officers were called to action in November 2005 following a complaint from a member of the public. The team investigated straight away and found evidence of an extensive rat infestation and poor levels of cleanliness at the premises.

The Spicy Kitchen was voluntarily closed the same day by the manager and the council started legal proceedings against Zafar Iqbal, as the owner, and against his manager.

After missing a previous Magistrates’ summons, a warrant for the arrest of Mr Iqbal was issued. He was subsequently arrested and bailed to re-attend Rochdale Magistrates Court, where, on 16 July this year, he pleaded guilty to 11 food safety offences. He was then referred to Bolton Crown Court for sentencing.

The judge dismissed claims that Mr Iqbal’s inexperience in the food business justified the breaches of regulations. On sentencing, Judge Roddy said that Mr Iqbal had a responsibility to ensure food hygiene standards were maintained, and that the incident could have led to serious injury or even death.

Rochdale Council stressed that Mr Iqbal has no connection with the business that is currently trading in the same premises.