An illegal food factory owner in Erith was fined £14,000 after admitting that his "ready to eat" food produced on site was not produced hygienically.

‘SOY’ business owner Tony Chuoc Ha Lam pleaded guilty to 14 offences under food safety legislation at Bexley Magistrates' Court last Monday (April 14).

Food safety officers from Bexley Council found the Hailey Road premises in a "filthy" condition with extensive mould growing, filthy equipment, leaking drains, no hand washing facilities, inadequate and dirty protective clothing, and an active rodent infestation when they first visited them.

The business was not registered with the council, despite this being a legal requirement, and had no systems in place to ensure foods produced on site were safe to eat.

Bexley Council claim the hygiene conditions at the food factory were so poor they presented an imminent risk to health.

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The premises were closed voluntarily by Lam, who agreed not to use the premises for further food production or storage until the risks to health had been removed.

Officers then obtained information that food continued to be produced on site just two weeks after their first visit.

Officers obtained a warrant and forced entry to the premises, where they found food still be prepared on site in the filthy premises.

Officers formally closed the premises using a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition.

The magistrate ordered Mr Lam to pay £2,000 towards the council's costs and a victim surcharge of £120.

The council's Food Safety Team work to ensure that hygiene standards are maintained in any business venue that produces, stores or sells food.

They are able to use legal enforcement powers where premises fail to make improvements.

Get more information here.