Food businesses fined nearly £75,000 with 15 convictions since 2021

The Environmental Agency secured 15 convictions of food premises between 2021 and 2025.

In answer to GBC questions, the Agency said this resulted in £74,460 worth of fines being issued by the courts. The biggest fine issued in recent years was one of £17,500

Offences primarily related to insanitary food premises, contamination risks, poor hygiene facilities and, in one case, failure to prevent smoking in a prohibited area.

Katy Docker spoke to Chief Environmental Health Officer, Chris Segovia, who explained cases normally end up in court when businesses have been non compliant and there is a risk to the public.

He said his team carry out well over 1000 inspections a year, with more than 500 establishments registered with the Agency as selling food.