Leeds takeaway owner fined £2,000 for dirty kitchen

Naheed Amjum, operator of Royal Fisheries on Royal Park Road, appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court on Monday, February 8, after environmental health officers found dirty fridges, surfaces and floors as well as possible food contamination at the takeaway in Hyde Park.

Concerns were raised that it posed a risk to the public.

However, since the inspection in May 2015, drastic improvements have been made and the takeaway was recently awarded a four out of five for its hygiene rating. Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for environmental protection and community safety, said: “It makes good business and common sense to run a well maintained and clean takeaway.

“When environmental health officers find conditions they aren’t happy with they will offer advice and solutions to help businesses make the necessary improvements.

“It really shouldn’t take court action and fines to clean up kitchens.

“This case shows that significant improvements can be made and made quickly, but we will take action when we have to.”

Amjum was fined £255 and must pay costs of £1,690, plus a victim surcharge of £25.

Leeds City Council regulates all food businesses in Leeds and environmental health officers regularly inspect restaurants, takeaways and shops to ensure they comply with strict food safety legislation.

The outcome of these inspections is a rating based on the Food Standard Agency’s national food hygiene rating scheme.

You can check the ratings online at ratings.food.gov.uk.

To report food hygiene concerns, call 0113 247 6286 or [email protected].