WHEN health inspectors made a snap inspection of Shahanaz Indian Cuisine in Lake last year, they discovered a string of food hygiene breaches and fined the business £32,000.

The owner of the business, Abul Hamid, appealed against the fine today (Friday) at the Isle of Wight Crown Court after he had admitted four food hygiene offences in August.

A snap inspection in September 2017 revealed the takeaway and restaurant left rice at temperatures where it was a 'nursery' for bacteria, raw and cooked foods were stored together and prepared foods were stored in former B&Q paint containers.

Among the other problems identified were food preparation surfaces were in a poor state of repair and there was inadequate disinfection.

Shahanaz (IOW) Ltd was served with a hygiene improvement notice which set out at length what needed to be done.

However, a subsequent visit by inspectors in December that year revealed rice was still being stored at temperatures that were too high before being reheated, there were no date labels on food and prepared food was being left uncovered in fridges, said Edward Elton, prosecuting.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Hamid, Abdul Miah said in the last 15 years, there had not been any complaints from customers at the restaurant.

He added the paint tub had been thoroughly washed and the large fine had affected the business.

The restaurant had lost 70 per cent of its trade and had closed on October 28 this year.

Judge David Melville reduced the fine to £16,000 for the four breaches.