The owner of a delicatessen and bistro has been ordered to pay more than £32,000 for failing to comply with food hygiene regulations.
Twenty food safety and hygiene-related charges were issued after Environmental Health inspectors from South Kesteven District Council visited Oblio’s Deli & Bistro in Westgate, Grantham.
Steven Thorsen, 72, admitted all charges at Boston Magistrates’ Court.
During the hearing, magistrates saw photo evidence of the inadequate conditions and were told about unsafe food practices.
Across separate inspections in 2022 and 2023, inspectors found whipped and single cream, pastry, cheese and raw meat that were past the use-by date, contravening the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.
Fridges in the premises were running at unsafe temperatures above 8°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and toxins. Expired cheese stored in the fridges had also grown mould.
The prosecution highlighted a continued build-up of grease on walls and surfaces due to unsuitable and insufficient ventilation, inadequate provision of hand-washing facilities and the poor condition of floor surfaces.
The court heard how the business was served two improvement notices in October 2022 but failed to resolve them in the time given.
Sally Burke, prosecuting on behalf of SKDC, explained the responsibilities of food business operators and how cleaning and ventilation, regular date code checks and temperature control checks fall within this.
She explained that despite guidance and support provided by the Council’s environmental health team, the defendant was unable to improve the conditions of the premises and practice safe food handling and storage.
The court heard how Mr Thorsen had re-packaged cheese using vacuum packaging, without indicating the contents or the date in which the cheese would no longer be safe to use.
The court also heard how the defendant had struggled with his health and had been let down by tradespeople he had contracted to carry out the improvement work, which has now been completed.
Mr Thorsen was ordered to pay a fine, costs and surcharges totalling £32,312.72. He was fined £25,000 and must also pay the Council’s costs of £5,312.72 with a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “I hope this will send a strong message to all that the safety of our residents and visitors is a key priority.
“I would like to highlight the work of the team for their diligence in achieving this successful prosecution, having provided a significant amount of support to the business for a number of years.
“It is important that the Council takes court action in cases such as this, where the support offered by inspectors hasn’t been taken on board to ensure that food law is followed and that consumers are kept safe.”
Image courtesy of South Kesteven District Council
