A CHINESE takeaway owner who was caught using a carpet tile on which to prepare food has been given a £9,000 fine after admitting a string of food hygiene breaches.

Wen Hui Ni, who has run the Eat Well restaurant, in Cricklade Road for the past two years, accepted 10 charges when he appeared at Swindon magistrates court yesterday.

They included the risk of cross contamination, storing filthy spring roll batter and failing to date label food.

Phil Wirth, prosecuting, told the court 32-year-old Ni had his first inspection from an environmental health officer on January 22.

“She found labelling was not consistent and many items had not been date labelled at all,” he said.

“A large amount of food debris was found that would act as an attraction to pests.

“There was an uncovered tub of raw pooled egg stored directly above cooked meat in an operating fridge.

“The ceiling in the rear side room was damaged, risking shedding into anything that was stored there.

“A work surface for preparation of raw meat was being used as a cleaning area and storing place for cooked meats.

“Raw egg and chicken satay was being stored above cooked foods, giving rise to risk of cross-contamination.

“Repeated failures in cleaning pointed to a lack of appreciation of food hygiene. Other issues included a bucket containing raw meats being stored next to cooked materials.

“A crusty layer of raw pooled egg was found on a worktop, suggesting it was not washed daily, risking the spread of bacteria.

“Food was not being cooked to the required temperatures, with a chicken curry found to be 54 centigrade when cooked food must reach 75 degrees.”

The officer insisted the issues were rectified immediately and returned on February 11, when further breaches were found.

“She found meals being placed on a carpet tile which could not be effectively cleaned,” said Mr Wirth.

“There was dirt and debris around the sides of the floors, and flour batter which was used to seal spring rolls was coated in a black substance. She found staff wearing jeans and jumpers instead of the required shirt and black trousers.

“When interviewed under police caution on March 5 he said during the first inspection he had not been fully aware of hygiene.

“Items of equipment were dirty because he had not done his job properly. He had repaired the ceiling.

“He now knows he should not be using the carpet tile because it is unhygenic.

“It is evident he had a poor understanding of his obligations in regard to food safety, and these are matters which expose the public to health and safety risks.

“The business has improved and it now has a three star rating. It will still have some way to go but is no longer at the standard that we found.”

Sam Arif, defending Ni, said he is determined to turn his business around.“He started off with a rating of one, and interventions began in January 2014,” she said. “By August 2014 he had achieved a rating of three.

“He says he was ignorant to the requirements but is actively taking heed of the advice. Staff are taking a involvement in what is required of them and he is taking responsibility for his business.”

Magistrates fined Wen Hui Ni £500 for each charge, totalling £5,000 for the offences in the main, along with £4,000 contribution to the costs of the investigation, which cost the taxpayer £6,002, and a £50 victim surcharge.