Kirklees Together

A Ravensthorpe takeaway owner has been banned from managing any food business after our inspectors found live cockroaches throughout his premises.

Has the takeaway owner been prosecuted?

Farhan Ul-Haque (47) owner of Hot Grill takeaway, also known as Chicken Diner and Maaza at 564 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe pleaded guilty to five offences at Huddersfield Magistrates Court on 3 July 2019. He was fined over £2,200.

He has also been prohibited by the court from participating in the management of any food business.

What was Ul-Haque found guilty of?

Ul-Haque was found guilty of food hygiene offences including keeping premises clean and maintained in good repair and condition and failure to have adequate procedures in place to control pests.

When was the premises shut down?

In May 2018 an active cockroach infestation was identified at the business by food safety inspectors following a routine visit, and the premises were closed by Officers. We took the decision to prosecute due to the conditions found and the poor track record of the business.

Cllr Rob Walker, Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, said:

“We will take serious action immediately to deal with such appalling breaches of Food Hygiene Regulations. Whilst we will work with business owners to improve their hygiene standards our key responsibility is to protect the public.”

What was found at the premises?

Live cockroaches were found at the business on monitor traps in the counter area of the premises and also the cellar areas, an outdoor jacket and also within an insulated food bag. Officers also found egg cases and cockroach body parts.

In addition, dirty areas within the food preparation areas were found and also lack of management controls.

Officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which closed the premises immediately due to an imminent risk to health.