A Middlesbrough pizza shop owner dodges jail despite serious hygiene breaches, including vermin and unsafe food practices
Middlesbrough: The Pizza Shop on Linthorpe Road was in a pretty bad state. There were reports of vermin running around, and even a tray of rat poison just sitting on the floor. Yikes!
When hygiene inspectors showed up on August 16, 2023, they found dirt, grease, and food that looked totally unfit for anyone to eat. It was a real mess.
They spotted grime on cooking surfaces, walls, and even in the fridge. Live rats were seen scurrying up the walls during the inspection. Not exactly what you want in a pizza place!
Tariq Nazir, the 56-year-old owner, was told to shut the shop immediately because it posed a serious health risk. Even when they checked again the next month, things hadn’t improved much. There were still dirty spots and mouse droppings around.
The prosecutor mentioned that there were serious food contamination risks. Nazir had to know something was off, given the state of the place.
He admitted to five food hygiene offences, and it turns out there had been issues dating back to 2018. He even had a previous conviction from 2008 related to some sandwiches.
In his defense, Nazir said he was sorry and had sold the business. He hadn’t been involved much in the day-to-day operations, but he knew he was responsible for keeping things safe.
His lawyer pointed out that he had been a well-respected member of the community, but life had thrown him some curveballs, including family issues.
Judge Richard Clews acknowledged that Nazir might have been distracted but emphasized that he still had a responsibility. Thankfully, there was no evidence that any customers got sick.
In the end, Nazir received a four-month prison sentence, which was suspended for a year. He also has to do some community service and pay costs. Plus, he’s banned from managing any food business for five years.
Councillor Janet Thompson from Middlesbrough Council stressed the importance of food safety in the community. She said that while most businesses take this seriously, they will act quickly when public health is at risk.
