News: Keep That Kitchen Clean!

• Date: 16/06/2010
• Author/Solicitor: Graeme Cushion

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A recent article in The Independent highlights once again the need for a proper cleaning regime within the kitchens of licensed premises.

According to the article, Chinese restaurants and take-aways are the most likely to have substandard hygiene practices than any other types of food operators.

The article cited that more than half of the Chinese outlets rated nationally were not up to scratch. Almost half of all Indian restaurants fared the same. Kebab shops were not much better, with a quarter of fish and chip shops being found to be substandard. In contrast, burger chains such as McDonalds and KFC were found to be very clean.

For those who are unfortunate enough to be prosecuted, fines are on the increase as well. A restaurant in Manchester was fined £70,000 in December!

With the number of people being hit by food poisoning on the rise, pressure to enforce is unlikely to go away. This means that operators need to be very wary indeed of the standards within their kitchens and premises generally, otherwise they will have to bear the consequences.

For more information please contact Graeme Cushion .