Based in the Manningham area of Bradford, West Yorkshire, Kawthar Mini Market & Bakery has been warned that it could face legal proceedings and prosecution following a visit by council inspectors.
A visit by City of Bradford Council health and safety officers identified a series of significant health and food safety risks at the business.
The initial report to the council warned of a risk of falls from height at the rear exits and fire exits serving businesses located on the parade on Manningham Lane.
During a June inspection, officers found that a diesel generator was being used to power the shop after its electricity supply had been cut off.
Each night, staff would switch off the generator, leaving the business’s fridges and freezers without power until employees reopened the shop the following morning.
According to the Telegraph & Argus, inspectors identified the practice as a “serious breach of food safety” because it “put all high-risk food items in conditions likely to support the growth of food poisoning bacteria and the formation of toxins over multiple days.”
They added: “These high-risk food items have also been placed on the market in an injurious condition for sale to the final consumer.
“Food shall not be placed on the market if it is unsafe. Food business operators must ensure the maintenance of the cold chain and comply with temperature-control requirements for foodstuffs.”
The council team found further safety breaches at Kawthar, including the diesel generator being unsafely connected to the electricity fuse box, with exposed wires accessible to staff and customers. The generator had reportedly been running continuously for several days.
During the visit, staff disposed of all food stored in the fridges and freezers. Kawthar has now been ordered to introduce and maintain a written food safety management system and ensure staff complete training appropriate to the business’s activities.
The shop will also be monitored to ensure it does not sell unsafe food.
