A Weston-super-Mare shopkeeper has been fined more than £10,000 after using a rusty, contaminated knife to cut meat and fish sold in his store. Binu Chacko, owner of Central News and Food in the town centre, admitted to ten food hygiene offences during a hearing at North Somerset Magistrates' Court last month.
The offences took place in April of the previous year, when an inspection revealed a meat and fish delivery was unloaded and stored in unsanitary conditions behind his shop. Authorities found that Mr. Chacko used a dirty, rusty knife to prepare the food, lacked proper hand-washing facilities, and failed to maintain appropriate storage temperatures. Additionally, some food origins could not be verified, raising concerns about product traceability.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for regulatory services, emphasized the seriousness of the violations. “Maintaining strict food hygiene standards is essential to protect public health. Handling food under such unhygienic conditions is unacceptable and endangers both customers and the wider community,” he said. Clayton added that the council remains committed to enforcing food safety laws rigorously to safeguard residents and visitors.
READ MORE: Village Besieged by Abandoned Evri Parcels Amid Courier Controversy
READ MORE: Paul Nicholls Considers Sam Twiston-Davies for Key Rides Next Season
On December 10, the court fined Mr. Chacko £4,154, reduced to £2,769 due to his early guilty plea. He was also ordered to pay full court costs amounting to £6,627.62 plus a victim surcharge of £1,108. The total financial penalty reached £10,504.62.
Members of the public who suspect food safety violations are encouraged to report concerns confidentially to the Food Standards Agency via their website or by calling 0800 028 1180.