M&B fined over kitchen hygiene

Mitchells & Butler (M&B) has been fined in a Welsh court after pleading guilty to breaches of food hygiene laws in a Swansea pub.

The UK's biggest managed pub operator admitted two offences under the Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006. The prosecution followed a visit by environmental health officers (EHOs) to the White Rose pub in September last year.

Swansea Magistrates fined M&B £3,500 for each offence and ordered the company to pay £2,305 costs, a total of £9,305.

The court heard that EHOs found food waste debris scattered throughout the kitchen, as well as blood covering the floor after seeping out of meat storage refrigerators.

In addition, plates in storage units were covered in grease and dirt, and some cooking equipment had leftover food floating in it

M&B closed the pub voluntarily after the inspection, and following a deep clean it has reopened under new management.

A company spokeswoman said: "A number of processes have been implemented to ensure the highest standards of food hygiene are met."

Kitchen staff were retrained and inspections by independent auditors have been increased to ensure the standards are maintained.

"In addition, a new manager was appointed with a proven track record in food safety and the White Rose is now very popular in the local area and trading successfully."

Kath Johnston, Swansea Council's divisional officer for the food and safety division, said: "We have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that the public's health is protected when they are consuming food from restaurants or takeaway businesses.

"We will not hesitate to prosecute those who ignore the advice of our inspectors following visits."