A cockroach-infested KFC must pay a £30,000 fine after being prosecuted by Cherwell District Council.
Published: Thursday, 1st February 2024
The defendant, franchisee SBR Retail Limited, pleaded guilty to four food hygiene offences in December and was sentenced at Oxford Magistrates Court on Tuesday 30 January.
As well as the cockroaches on the Bicester premises, dead flies were found in a walk-in fridge, chicken was stored in dirty containers, and a washbasin had faulty drainage.
Councillor Phil Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Healthy and Safe Communities, said: “Hygienic places to eat out are a key part of what makes our towns attractive and enjoyable, so making sure that takeaways and restaurants are complying with the law is one of our crucial roles.
“We always look to work with businesses to help them follow best practice, but we will not hesitate to take formal enforcement action when necessary. This was a shocking case, which the judge agreed put public health at risk.
“This verdict is a positive result for anyone who enjoys eating out in north Oxfordshire and should serve as a reminder to other food businesses to abide by the law.”
The offences were uncovered in August 2022 when the council’s health protection team visited the premises. The business voluntarily closed for a period, and since then, it has made improvements and now has a four-star rating.
As well as the £30,000 fine, the judge awarded Cherwell District Council costs of £5,395.88 and ordered the offender to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge.
The council routinely inspects local food outlets to check how hygienically the food is handled, the condition of the structure of the buildings; and how the business manages and records what it does to ensure food is safe.
The outlets then receive ratings, and members of the public can search these on the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme website.