Supermarket owner fined for serious breaches of food hygiene legislation

Abdulai Shapo, the current owner of Yambo’s Food, at 158 Ormeau Road, appeared in Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning in relation to seven separate offences.

Belfast City Council brought the prosecution after serious breaches of food hygiene legislation, were identified in a period between December 15 2014 and November 6, 2015.

Council inspectors found that Mr Shapo had failed ensure that the food premises was kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition and failed to ensure that kitchen utensils and equipment were effectively cleaned and disinfected.

The inspectors also found that surfaces throughout the premises were not maintained in a sound condition so as to ensure they could be cleaned properly.

In addition, Mr Shapo was unable to identify from whom who had obtained several fish products. Inspectors also found that the information available in the labelling, presentation and packaging of certain fish products misled the consumer.

Council officers recently inspected the premises and reported improved conditions. The premises are now rated as a score of three – meaning that they are generally satisfactory under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.