Luton Borough Council

22/11/2023 - Luton food business owner prosecuted for poor hygiene conditions

A Luton food business has been prosecuted by the council for food hygiene and rodent infestation offences.

Mr Harun Miah, trading as Alauddin Sweets Centre, pleaded guilty to five offences contrary to the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, at Luton Magistrates Court on 10 November 2023. The Magistrates took into account that Mr Miah had since taken steps to rectify the standards and he was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £2,252.

On 26 September 2022, an Environmental Health Officer visited Alauddin Sweets Centre, 56 Leagrave Road, Luton, to carry out a routine food hygiene inspection. The officer discovered active, uncontrolled rodent activity in the food premises, with visible mice droppings in a number of places.

There were also poor standards of cleanliness, damaged floor tiles (for which a Hygiene Improvement Notice was served), and poor food storage practices. The business was immediately closed at the time using hygiene emergency prohibition powers.

Councillor Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for Public Health at Luton Council, said “Food business owners must take their responsibilities seriously when operating a food business and ensure the safety of the public by being directly involved with that business - we will not hesitate to take action where businesses fail to do this.

“There must be permanent, adequate and ongoing procedures in place within all food businesses to monitor and control pests, including the use of a competent and professional pest control company. Effective pest control also includes having good standards of cleanliness and maintenance of floors, surfaces and equipment.”

Businesses should use a reputable pest controller which is registered with the British Pest Control Association or The National Pest Technical Association. Alternatively, businesses can get advice and guidance and use the council’s own pest control traded service by contacting 01582 546814 or emailing [email protected].

Where a food business is found to have pest activity, it faces emergency closure and prosecution.

Customers can view the food ratings of local establishments at ratings.food.gov.uk.