Protecting your health – food businesses prosecuted for having dirty premises.
Oldham Council is committed to making sure businesses which serve food to our residents are clean and tidy.
No one wants to fall ill after eating food from premises that fall below hygiene standards.
Recently, the owners of two businesses pleaded guilty to food hygiene offences following inspections by our environmental health team. Last year, officers discovered cockroaches, mouse droppings, and no running hot water – which is vital for maintaining a clean environment and hygiene – during an inspection of Greenhill Food Store, Sickle Street, Oldham.
Owners Rahila Mohid, of Kensington Road and Mohammed Alom, 32, of Bobbin Walk, admitted food hygiene charges when they appeared in court.
Mohid and Alom received fines of £1,000 each, and were also ordered to pay legal costs of £1,008 each, plus victim surcharge of £400 each.
In a separate case, magistrates heard how inspectors found mouse droppings at Desi Fried Chicken, Manchester Road, Oldham during a routine visit in July last year.
The takeaway was ordered to close immediately, until the premises had been cleaned and the pests removed. The owner, Ahsan Raza, 34, of Castle Street, Nelson, admitted nine different hygiene offences when he appeared in court on 20 November 2023.
Raza was fined £738, and had to pay £625 costs, plus a victim surcharge of £295. His company, Sheerazi Ltd, was also fined £4,000, £625 in costs, and a £1,600 victim surcharge.
Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s crucial all businesses follow proper hygiene procedures.
“We don’t want any of our residents put at risk from places with poor hygiene.
“Our inspectors are here to help but also won’t hesitate to take action against any businesses where poor practices could compromise public health.”
