A Wigan bakery has been ordered to pay nearly £10,000 after breaching multiple food hygiene regulations.
Earlier this month, Wigan Council’s environmental health team brought a prosecution against Five Star Bakery (Wigan) Ltd after a routine inspection and two further unannounced visits last year.
At Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 October, magistrates heard of dirty conditions and widespread pest activity at the bakery, with evidence of mice and rats found on the premises.
During the visits to the bakery manufacturer, which operates Five Star Bakery on Stephens Way in Goose Green, officers found dirty machinery used to make bread rolls which were ingrained with grease and old bits of food debris. Cobwebs ingrained with flour dust were also found hanging over open ingredients and mixing bowls, while a leak on the proofing oven led to wet, dirty walkways and a foul smelling drain within the food production area. Mould was also found on the walls of staff toilets and in the walk-in fridge.
At the hearing, the directors of the company, Steven George Barrett and John Kevin Hinnigan, pleaded guilty to 12 offences. The charges included failing to implement an adequate food safety management system and failing to update staff training in relation to food hygiene and safety.
In addition, the directors failed to keep the premises in an acceptable condition and ensure that adequate cleaning chemicals were available, with staff found to be using bathroom degreasers to clean machinery.
While the pair had engaged a pest contractor, mice droppings were found throughout the bakery with further evidence of rats, including droppings and nesting material found in the loft space.
Following the health and safety breaches, magistrates ordered Barrett and Hinnigan to pay fines totalling £12k, reduced to £8k due to their guilty pleas. They were also ordered to pay £1,217 in associated costs, meaning that the total financial punishment came to £9,217
“This prosecution comes as a result of a thorough investigation from our environmental health teams, from site visits and inspections through to the diligent work included in the report,” said Councillor Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport.
“As a council, we want to support local businesses and the food and drink industry, but we are not afraid to take action against those who do not meet the standards that we and our residents expect.”
The visits took place on 12 July, 12 September, and 29 October 2024. Magistrates also heard that the company previously had issues with pests and had accepted a simple caution for offences in 2018.
No comments yet