The previous owner of a Chester takeaway has been sentenced for food safety and hygiene offences at Chester Magistrates' Court.

On Monday, 17 February 2025, Sardar Muhealddin Rasul, the previous owner of Chester Charcoal Grill, was fined £832, ordered to pay £2,737.50 in costs and a £333 statutory surcharge, resulting in a total fine of £3,902.50.

The defendant entered guilty pleas to seven food safety and hygiene offences.

On 21 June 2023, environmental health officers from Cheshire West and Chester Council visited Chester Charcoal Grill to complete a full food hygiene inspection.  

They discovered the business had inadequate procedures in place to manage food safety and the staff were unable to maintain personal hygiene, due to a complete lack of running hot water to the wash hand basins.

Staff were unable to maintain personal hygiene, due to a complete lack of running hot water to the wash hand basins (Image via: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

The premises were found to be dirty, with high-risk foods such as cooked chicken portions, cooked rice, mayonnaise and yogurt being stored at temperatures which were a risk to public health.

Out-of-date food was also found in the fridge, creating risks of cross contamination.

The premises voluntarily closed during the inspection, reopening the next day after the hot water and refrigeration equipment issues had been attended to.

The 47-year-old had earlier entered a not guilty plea but changed his plea to guilty on the day of the hearing.

The business at 62 Brook Street is now under new management.

Councillor, Christine Warner, said: "Officers within our Public Protection Service team work proactively to help business owners comply with legislation and meet hygiene standards and food safety.

"The vast majority of food establishments in Cheshire West operate to a high standard; we have a duty to the public to take effective action where others do not make the same effort.

"In this case, officers witnessed poor conditions that posed a risk to the public and the fine imposed sends a clear and strong message that the courts will treat such situations seriously."

Cheshire West and Chester Council operate a paid for advisory service for all food businesses called the 'GET5' scheme.  

Call 01244 973486 for more information or see the Council's website.