M&B admits food hygiene breach at Portsmouth Harvester

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) faces a fine in the crown court after admitting food hygiene offences at the Portsmouth branch of its Harvester pub restaurant chain.

Portsmouth magistrates referred the case to the crown court for sentencing after Britain's biggest managed pub group admitted failing to keep the premises clean and failing to control mice properly.

The magistrates felt their power to impose a fine of up to £10,000 was not sufficient - there is no limit on the fine the crown court can impose.

The case was brought by Portsmouth City Council after environmental health officers (EHOs) visited the Harvester in Eastern Road, Portsmouth in July last year, following customer complaints.

The investigation found hygiene problems at the pub including food on the floor; a carpet covered in thick grease; rubbish in the pantry and a connecting room; and mouse droppings and bits of food behind a sofa in the restaurant.

The council said adequate procedures to control pests were not in place.

Its head of public protection Paul Hunt said: "This is an example of very poor kitchen hygiene and inadequate pest control. We have a duty to protect the public's health and to ensure the consumer's right to food safety.

"This conviction sends a clear message to the management, and all food business operators, that they must ensure their premises are maintained in a clean, hygienic and pest-free condition."

The Harvester was re-inspected by the council in November 2007 and given a 'satisfactory' hygiene rating.

A spokeswoman for M&B said: "Food safety is our top priority and responsibility. We expect every employee to adhere to our rigorous documented food safety processes and any breaches are taken very seriously.

"These incidents happened some 15 months ago and we acted quickly to address them. We undertook a comprehensive review of all food hygiene practices at the restaurant to reinforce the high standards of food safety that we require. We have also put in place a new, highly experienced team, including a new restaurant manager and a new area manager.

"We have a long-established programme of regular, independent inspections of food hygiene standards in our restaurants so our customers can be assured that their meals are carefully and properly prepared, cooked and served."