Published: Monday, 28th November 2022
A butcher has been successfully prosecuted by Oldham Council after his premises were found to be dirty.
Environmental Health officers visited Baymans, on Ashton Road, Hathershaw, in October 2021 and found the building and equipment were in a poor state of repair.
There was no hot water and there was no wash basin in the toilet, which was also filthy.
The owner, John Bayman, was told to clean up his act and put things right.
But during a follow up visit a few months later, nothing had been improved so the council started enforcement action against him.
On November 21 Bayman, trading as Baymans Butchers, pleaded guilty to eight food hygiene offences.
The 55-year-old from Middleton was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £700 costs and a £32 victim surcharge
Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The conditions our officers found were dirty and potentially unhealthy.
“Food businesses must be clean and stick to food hygiene laws. As this prosecution shows we’ll take action against the ones that don’t.
“If you are a business owner and need advice then get in touch so our officers can help.
“If residents know of any food premises that are dirty and unclean, please report them to us.”
The council is urging all food businesses to employ a professional pest control company and to make sure they keep their premises clean and carry out their own checks.
The council’s Food Safety team and pest control team can be contacted via ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk or 0161 770 2244.
Information for businesses is also available on the council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/foodsafety