'Dirty' store fined

Supermarket giant Somerfield has been ordered to pay more than £21,000 in fines and costs after inspectors uncovered a catalogue of food safety breaches at its Madeley store.

Dirty food preparation areas, waste strewn across the back yard and lack of hygiene training were among the problems, Telford magistrates heard. And a member of staff was seen using the same knife to cut raw meat and ready-to-eat products.

This posed a potential risk to human health, said Miss Lorraine Fowkes, prosecuting for Telford & Wrekin Council.

The Bristol-based company was fined a total of £17,500 with £3,519 costs after admitting five brea-ches of food hygiene regulations relating to cleanliness of premises and fittings, waste disposal, staff training and food management.

The court heard it was the second time in less than two years that Somerfield had been convicted of similar offences at the Russell Square store.

Miss Fowkes said public health officers inspected the store on January 17 and discovered "an unsatisfactory state of cleanliness" in the vegetable preparation area and deli counter.

"Standards were well below what might be expected in premises serving food to the public," she said.

Breaches included a dirty rotisserie, chiller, food warmer and fridge, while food waste and used oil were kept in open containers and strewn across the yard, providing a potential food source for vermin.

Mrs Judith Kelly, for Somerfield, said the company had 900 outlets nationally and took food safety very seriously.

She said its rigorous systems had not been followed on this occasion due to the manager feeling unable to send his new assistant away for training during the busy Christmas period.

"The company is extre-mely embarrassed to be here before you," she told the magistrates. "I have been asked to express its very deep regret and apologies."

Area managers were now keeping a very close check on the Madeley store, she added.

By Peter Johnson