Southsea Restaurants Slapped with Hefty Fines Over Shocking Hygiene Failures
Two Southsea eateries have been hit with thousands in fines after ignoring food safety warnings and letting cleanliness slide to disgraceful levels. Aubergine, an Indian/Bangladeshi restaurant on Albert Road, and Family House, a Chinese takeaway on Jessie Road, both admitted guilt over food hygiene offences at Portsmouth magistrates court on Tuesday.
Filthy Conditions Found During Surprise Check
Last July, a sudden inspection at Aubergine uncovered appalling hygiene. Dirt, grease, and food debris were scattered everywhere. Hand-washing stations were neglected, while mouse bait spillages were found dangerously close to stored food.
Inspectors also noted grimy hand and food contact surfaces and a complete lack of an effective food safety management system.
Operator Fined Thousands for Multiple Offences
Shamsul Khan, 44, from Haslemere Road, Southsea, who runs Aubergine and is sole director of its company, admitted five breaches of food safety laws. He was fined a whopping £4,200 and slapped with £1,481 in court costs and victim surcharges.
After the damning inspection, Khan made some improvements, including repairing a broken storeroom floor, updating records, training staff better, and bringing in pest control experts.
