A PIZZA boss pleaded not guilty to eight charges of failing to comply with food health and safety regulations when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Friday.

Suliman Aruby, 37, of Collinson Street faced two counts of failing to comply with a food safety improvement notice and six charges of contravening EU provisions concerning food safety and hygiene at the Super Pizza takeaway on Fleet Street.

On February 15 2017, staff at the Italian eatery allegedly failed to properly store raw materials and ingredients, as unwrapped beef burgers were touching the internal surfaces of the upright freezer and poorly-wrapped chicken portions were touching packets of other food in the chest freezer.

In addition, they allegedly failed to keep the premises cleaned and maintained in good condition, failed to protect food against contamination likely to render it unfit for human consumption, and failed to ensure that any fittings and equipment with which food comes into contact were effectively cleaned and disinfected, and kept in a way which would minimise contamination.

They also allegedly failed to establish documents and records suitable for the size of the takeaway.

Mr Aruby denied that he was personally liable for any of the alleged health and safety breaches as he claimed that he was not the owner of the business, though the charges sheet lists him as director of Aruby & Brothers, which trades as Super Pizza.

District judge Simon Cooper oversaw the proceedings.

He said: "The court states that you are liable but you contest this so we will hear a skeleton argument from your defence before your trial."

The matter of liability will be dealt with separately on March 13 at Chippenham Magistrates Court before Mr Aruby is tried by bench at the same court on March 27.

He has been released on unconditional bail until his next court appearance.