Northern Citrus Products Limited, a wholesaler of soft drinks, crisps, snacks and bar sundries offering a delivery service within the Fylde Coast area, have been ordered to pay £1800 following an inspection by Wyre Council.
The Poulton-le-Fylde wholesaler pleaded guilty to five offences under section 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Lancashire Magistrates Court sitting at Blackburn on Wednesday (22). The company was fined £1000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £400.
The hygiene offences were revealed after an inspection by Wyre's environmental health team last year, who visited and carried out a routine inspection of the food warehouse and distribution premises.
The inspecting officer found extensive numbers of rat droppings throughout the floor of the premises. The premises were dirty and there was accumulations of rubbish and disused furniture and other items in the warehouse. There were several potential pest entry points to the premises. There was a lack of effective monitoring, training of staff and safe systems of work.
Neil Greenwood, Assistant Director of Public Protection, Environmental Health & Community Safety said, “Wyre Council takes food hygiene very seriously and if premises don’t comply, we will take action whenever and wherever necessary. I’d like to encourage members of the public to check food hygiene ratings before eating out or shopping for food.”
