Customer found rat poo in Dudley takeaway order as former boss is fined

The former boss of a Dudley takeaway has been fined after a customer found rat poo in their food. A member of the public alleged they'd found rat faeces in their order purchased from Bobby's Burgers and an investigation was launched by Dudley Council in January 2023.

Environmental health inspectors visited the shop and subsequently found evidence of rat activity at the New Street-based venue, when it was under previous management. The premises was ordered to close on January 26, 2023, until the issue was resolved and there was no further risk to health.

Laboratory tests confirmed the objects found in the customer’s food order were rat droppings. Storay Safi, who operated the business when the incident took place, pleaded guilty to one food safety offence at Dudley Magistrates Court on March 20.

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She was given a fine of £470 for her early guilty plea when she appeared for sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 29. The customer was also awarded £100 compensation.

A contribution to costs was ordered to the sum of £250 and a collection order was made. Ms Safi is required to pay at a rate of £100 per month with the first payment in 14 days.

Dr Mayada Abuaffan, director of public health at Dudley Council, said: "Although Ms Safi is no longer the proprietor of the business, she failed to maintain good hygiene and put a customer’s health at risk while it was under her control, and it was right that this case was brought to court. We are pleased with the successful outcome.

"Food safety and hygiene standards exist to protect public health and our environmental health officers will continue to investigate complaints and carry inspections to ensure those standards are upheld." Bobby's Burgers currently has a 'very good' five rating for hygiene from the Food Standards Agency, the highest rank possible.