Takeaway closed for second time over risk

A district judge imposed an emergency prohibition order on The Taste of China, in Lee Street, Hull, after inspectors found a series of hygiene failings.

The business had previously been ordered to close in July last year when the premises and equipment were found to be "dirty", although it was allowed to re-open after improvements.

In a routine visit by environmental health officers last week, flies were found in food preparation areas and large amounts of raw and uncooked food were exposed to contamination.

Food handlers were not wearing overclothes and had not had any food hygiene training, and food stored in the fridge was exposed to the risk of contamination, leading to the risk of food poisoning.

Hull Council is now prosecuting the company.

Trevor Todd, assistant head of service for public protection, said: "These conditions left the environmental health officers with little option other than to immediately close the business for a second time and apply to the magistrates for a hygiene emergency prohibition order.

"However, we will continue to work closely with the business with a view to resolving the problems. Once we are satisfied there is no longer any risk to public health the business will be allowed to re-open."

The business was rated "very poor" under the council's "Scores on the Doors" scheme.