The meat removed from Room 4 cafe in Ryde. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.
ROTTING food has been removed from a Ryde cafe by environmental health officers.
Isle of Wight Council environmental health officers used a public protection law for the first time in six years to remove the food from Room 4 in Union Street.
They say they re-visited the cafe on Tuesday after telling the owner to make improvements.
But, the Isle of Wight Council said, during that visit several foods showing evidence of mould growth and decomposition were seized by environmental health officers using powers under food safety legislation.
They included separate containers of unidentified meat, baked beans, mozzarella cheese and a packet of ham trim.
The food was taken away from the premises and stored in refrigerators at environmental health's headquarters in Newport, during which time an application was made to Island magistrates for the food to be condemned.
The court was satisfied that the food failed to comply with safety requirements and an order was given on Thursday to dispose or destroy it to prevent it being used for human consumption, and any expenses incurred by the council be reimbursed.
Isle of Wight Council environmental health manager Amanda Gregory said: "Thankfully on the Island we seldom have the need to use our powers to seize food from businesses, but this demonstrates that we will use these when necessary to ensure customers are protected."
Michael Boyle, the proprietor of Room 4, represented himself in court.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk