Illegal Halifax food business fined after officers discover meat infested with maggots

The owner of an illegal food business was handed a suspended sentence at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).
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In June last year, Calderdale Council received a complaint of foul smelling bins containing meat waste on Battinson Road. Officers investigated and found four bins containing poultry waste infested with maggots.

The property was not registered with the council as a food business and after a second visit, officers discovered an unlicensed cutting and storage facility, infested with flies, with filthy meat processing equipment and poor hygiene practices.

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The operator, Ansar Mahmood, was questioned and a large quantity of poultry was seized, detained, and destroyed. In addition, the business was banned from cutting operations. The business operator had also been subject to a previous closure and detention in 2008 for similar activities at a different site in Halifax.

Mr Mahmood, trading as A S Poultry was convicted at Bradford Crown Court, for the 16 offences. He was given a four-months suspended sentence, must undertake 200 hours community service within 12 Months and must pay £1500 costs.

Councillor Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “This was a particularly bad case of a business blatantly ignoring food hygiene regulations. I’d like to praise the investigating officers whose diligence resulted in the owner paying the price for his actions.

“We will not tolerate breaches of hygiene standards and will take action against any business that falls short of the requirements or places people at risk.

“This case emphasises the need for all food businesses to seek advice and direction in their operations from the Council and to inform our officers of any changes in their business activities.”