A local Indian restaurant who failed to comply with food safety legislation has been prosecuted by our Environmental Health team and ordered to pay costs by local magistrates.

Tandoori Nights in Paignton were found to have very poor standards of cleaning, food safety practices and personal hygiene which posed a serious risk to health.

The owner, Mr Khan, pleaded guilty to four offences and was fined £880 per offence (£3,520) and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and court costs of £3,583.18, a total of £7,191.18.

Comments from the Magistrates who heard the case at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on the 5 November stated that the photographs of the poor standards were some of the worst they had seen. The Magistrates went on to say that these appalling conditions could have caused a member of the public to become seriously ill or even die from eating food prepared in such conditions.

Councillor Vic Ellery, Executive Lead for Environment, said: “We take food safety very seriously as we need to ensure that our residents and visitors are not exposed to any public health risk. Our Food Safety Team work hard to support and advise food businesses to comply with food safety legislation and ensure they achieve a good food hygiene rating. But when there are failings like this we need to take action.

“The level of the fine and costs awarded to the owners of this restaurant, along with the comments from the magistrates, reiterate our message that it is important that anyone preparing or selling food for the public has to comply with food safety legislation.”

During the inspection it was also found that food safety records had not been kept up to date for around 18 months. Mr Khan voluntarily closed the business for around a week in order to undertake a thorough clean of the kitchen. The business was given a 0 (urgent improvement needed) on the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme - ratings.food.gov.uk.

Our Food Safety Team carry out hundreds of food safety inspections a year. They also run food safety awareness events and Level 2 food hygiene courses for food business owners and staff. If you are a business and would like to know more about these courses or would like advice on how to comply visit www.torbay.gov.uk/foodsafety.

The images below were taken by Environmental Health officers.