04/08/2010
Bench Warrant Seeks Shop Boss
Dodgy food hygiene has led this week to a Belfast judge issuing an arrest warrant for an ethnic supermarket owner.
Belfast City Council brought the prosecution against Lalu Ali, owner of The Bangla Supermarket on the Ormeau Road, after a series of breaches were detected between March 13, 2009 and March 23, 2009.
On Tuesday, the judge called for his arrest when Mr Ali, with an address at Ava Crescent in south Belfast, didn't appear at Belfast Magistrates Court to face 14 charges against him.
The breaches related to food safety legislation and included selling food that was unsafe; failing to put systems and procedures in place to identify food suppliers and failing to ensure that food which was not pre-packed for sale was marked or labelled with the name of food, use by/sell by dates and its origin.
The shop boss was also accused of failing to ensure that all animal by-products were disposed of through an approved disposal route and failing to keep a record of the date, quantity and description of the disposal of any animal by-products.
He also was storing food (namely sausages) in such a way that supported the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or the formation of toxins, at a temperate above eight degrees centigrade and failed to put in place, implement and maintain a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) to identify hazards and effectively monitor critical control points.
In addition he didn't keep the premises clean and maintained or ensure that wash-hand basins were provided with hot water and material for cleaning hands and hygienic drying.
A judge considered the evidence presented by the council in court and convicted the defendant in his absence. He also issued a warrant for his arrest, for sentencing at a later date.
A Council spokeswoman commented afterwards: "Belfast City Council is committed to protecting the health and safety of the public and we are pleased about today's result.
"However it would be inappropriate to comment further until the legal proceedings are concluded," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
Belfast City Council brought the prosecution against Lalu Ali, owner of The Bangla Supermarket on the Ormeau Road, after a series of breaches were detected between March 13, 2009 and March 23, 2009.
On Tuesday, the judge called for his arrest when Mr Ali, with an address at Ava Crescent in south Belfast, didn't appear at Belfast Magistrates Court to face 14 charges against him.
The breaches related to food safety legislation and included selling food that was unsafe; failing to put systems and procedures in place to identify food suppliers and failing to ensure that food which was not pre-packed for sale was marked or labelled with the name of food, use by/sell by dates and its origin.
The shop boss was also accused of failing to ensure that all animal by-products were disposed of through an approved disposal route and failing to keep a record of the date, quantity and description of the disposal of any animal by-products.
He also was storing food (namely sausages) in such a way that supported the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or the formation of toxins, at a temperate above eight degrees centigrade and failed to put in place, implement and maintain a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) to identify hazards and effectively monitor critical control points.
In addition he didn't keep the premises clean and maintained or ensure that wash-hand basins were provided with hot water and material for cleaning hands and hygienic drying.
A judge considered the evidence presented by the council in court and convicted the defendant in his absence. He also issued a warrant for his arrest, for sentencing at a later date.
A Council spokeswoman commented afterwards: "Belfast City Council is committed to protecting the health and safety of the public and we are pleased about today's result.
"However it would be inappropriate to comment further until the legal proceedings are concluded," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 January 2007
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
14 June 2004
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
20 June 2011
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
26 March 2024
Consumer Council Gives 'Top Tips' To Help Address Food Waste
The Consumer Council has outlined a number of 'top tips' to help address food waste, as the cost of a weekly grocery shop continues to remain so high. The Consumer Council said that at times it seems unavoidable that food goes-off before we get the chance to eat it. There are quite a few myths about storing food properly.
Consumer Council Gives 'Top Tips' To Help Address Food Waste
The Consumer Council has outlined a number of 'top tips' to help address food waste, as the cost of a weekly grocery shop continues to remain so high. The Consumer Council said that at times it seems unavoidable that food goes-off before we get the chance to eat it. There are quite a few myths about storing food properly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.