A Brighton takeaway had an 8cm mound of grease lurking under the grill and stored raw burgers in a fridge that wasn’t turned on.
The hygiene breaches have cost Rocky’s, of Edward Street, Brighton, a fine of nearly £3,000.
The kebab shop was prosecuted by Brighton and Hove City Council for 15 breaches of food hygiene at Brighton Magistrates’ Court
Environmental health officers first ordered owner Tilak Thilagaraj to carry out a thorough deep clean on Tuesday 2 June.
The next day one of the council’s environmental health officers walked past the shop when it was closed and noticed lamb and chicken doner left on grills that were not switched on. These are perfect conditions for growing the sort of bacteria that could cause food poisoning.
The council officer returned when the takeaway opened to make sure that the meat was thrown away.
Although the business carried out a deep clean, standards had slipped again when a further inspection was carried out in August.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said: “There is no doubt that this premises was posing a threat to health and we had no hesitation in taking court action.
“Despite several visits and advice given to the business, it failed to implement basic food hygiene procedures.”
At court on Tuesday Mr Thilagaraj pleaded guilty to 13 charges and was ordered to pay £2,955, including costs and a victim surcharge.
The food breaches also included dirty food preparation areas and microwave, dust and cobwebs in the kitchen and steps that were blackened with dirt, dust and food debris.
Since the August inspection the council’s food safety team has continued to work closely with the owner and is satisfied that conditions at the premises have improved.
See how other food outlets are rated by the council’s Scores on the Doors.
