Wick Chinese takeaway fined £7,000

Ka Wing Cheung, who owns Memory of China in Wick Street, was handed a fine of 7,000, and ordered to pay a further 5,701 in court costs, as well as a 15 victim support surcharge, after he pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations.

He appeared at Chichester Magistrates' Court on October 29.

Paul Wotherspoon, councillor at Arun District Council which brought the action, said: "Residents have the right to expect that any food they buy is stored and prepared in hygienic conditions.

"Unfortunately, in this case the takeaway owner has shown a flagrant disregard for food hygiene law and the level of the fine handed down by the magistrates reflects the seriousness of these offences."

When inspectors made a routine visit to the takeaway, in March, they found long-term grease, dried-on food and black mould on kitchen walls, tiles, pipes and knife racks, exposed and damaged floorboards, with cavities containing dirt grease and fluids, and raw ingredients being stored on shelving next to walls affected by mould, and on the floor.

There was also long-term dirt, grease and food spillage on chopping boards, knives, and on the lids of freezers used for food preparation.

Mr Wotherspoon added that the council's food safety officers inspected hundreds of premises every year, and that the overall level of cleanliness was extremely high.

"But on the rare occasions that businesses are not up to standard, we will not hesitate to take action to safeguard public health," he added.

Mr Cheung also admitted to failing to provide documentary evidence of a food safety management system, despite previous advice and guidance from the senior food safety officer.

He has since carried out extensive cleaning, redecoration and repair works to the food preparation areas, and regular monitoring by the council confirms that the hygiene standards have been improved to acceptable levels.

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