A takeaway boss who failed to meet basic food hygiene standards was fined thousands of pounds in court.

In the case brought to court by Dudley Council’s environmental health, Adam Rafferty, the owner of Lai-Do takeaway in Coseley pleaded guilty to four counts of failing to comply with food safety laws.

During a visit to the premises, environmental health officers found evidence of rat activity as well as poor conditions and cleanliness.

Evidence was taken and a prosecution brought against the business for failing to have an adequate documented food safety management system, failing to keep the premises clean, failing to protect food from the risk of contamination and failing to have adequate procedures in place for controlling pests.

Rafferty entered the guilty pleas as an individual and on behalf of the limited company he represents, Rafferty Yeung Ltd. Rafferty was fined £2,800 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £181 and costs of £1735.

Rafferty Yeung Ltd was fine £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £50. The case was in Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Friday January 14th. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"As consumers, we all have the right to expect good food safety standards from the places we choose to buy from. It’s unacceptable for businesses to think they can let standards slip and put people’s health at risk.

"We take these cases seriously and will pursue businesses through the courts where they fail to comply with food safety standards."