05/02/2026 - Food business owner prosecuted for food hygiene offences
A business operator and its director have been fined following serious food hygiene offences discovered at two premises in Luton.
During the inspections, officers identified evidence of pest activity at both premises, including the presence of mouse droppings. At the Chai Link kiosk, dead mice were found on the floor beneath counter units.
Hygiene standards at Pizza Link were poor, with an accumulation of dirt and food debris on floors and on equipment surfaces, including fridges, freezers and food storage containers. Mouse droppings were also found in crates used for storing onions and spices.
Neither business had been visited recently by a pest control contractor.
This is the second time the business operator has been prosecuted for food hygiene offences. The same two premises were previously subject to enforcement action after breaches of food hygiene regulations in 2023.
On 20 January at Luton Magistrates’ Court, Pink Eatery Limited, the company operating Chai Link and Pizza Link, was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay £140 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. The company director, Syed Hussain Raza Bukhari, was also fined £640 and ordered to pay £140 in costs and a £256 victim surcharge.
Pizza Link is no longer trading. Chai Link has since made the required improvements and received a food hygiene rating of 4 at the most recent inspection.
Councillor Rumi Chowdhury, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for Public Health, said: “It is essential that food business operators take their responsibilities seriously when running a food business. All food businesses must have permanent, ongoing and adequate procedures in place to monitor and control pests.
“We strongly advise that a pest control monitoring and treatment contract is in place with a reputable, professional and competent pest control company. Effective pest control also includes maintaining high standards of cleanliness and ensuring equipment, walls, floors and ceilings are kept in good condition. We will not hesitate to take action where businesses fail to put the safety of the public first.”
Food business operators are advised to use reputable pest control contractors, such as those who are members of the British Pest Control Association or the National Pest Technical Association. Advice, guidance and access to the council’s pest control traded service are available by calling 01582 546814 or emailing [email protected].
Where pest activity is identified, food businesses may face emergency closure and prosecution.
Customers can view food hygiene ratings for local businesses on the Food Standards Agency website.