THE owner of a Weston takeaway has been forced to clean up his act after admitting eight breaches of food hygiene laws.

Kawa Abdullah, aged 28, of Best Kebab And Pizza in Richmond Street, pleaded guilty to the offences during a hearing at North Somerset Courthouse in St Georges on Tuesday.

Abdullah, of Shrubbery Road, was charged with failing to protect food from contamination, failing to effectively clean equipment, not having adequate washing facilities or clean premises, and storing cleaning products in food preparation areas.

He also failed to register his business with North Somerset Council, and failed to ensure food handlers had the proper hygiene training.

Helen Blundell, prosecuting, said an investigation was prompted after the business was linked to a case of food poisoning.

The incident saw a resident of Sherwood Lodge care home in Weston struck by campylobacter – and the only meal he had eaten which was different to fellow residents had been bought from Best Kebab And Pizza.

The court heard how food hygiene officers carried out two separate inspections of the business in June.

Ms Blundell said: “Mr Abdullah informed (inspectors) he had not registered his food business and confirmed no-one had received any formal food hygiene training.

“There was only one basin near the food preparation area, which had no hot water and no soap.

“There were no antibacterial cleaners and food preparation surfaces were not being adequately cleaned after handling raw meat.”

Inspectors also saw raw meat being stored next to ready-to-eat items, dirty equipment, and food handlers dressed in dirty clothes.

Ms Blundell added: “On April 9, an officer revisited the premises and observed great improvement to cleanliness.

“The current situation is completely different. This is a business which has changed its approach to food hygiene.

“We are very happy with what Mr Abdullah has done.”

Addressing the bench, Abdullah said: “I have never had a business before, and I never knew how to run it.

“But as soon as they came to give me advice, I improved everything.

“The last time they came, everything was clean and tidy.

“Now what I make in the business, I spend to improve it.”

In passing sentence, chair of the bench David Cook said: “This is a serious offence.

“We accept you went into business not knowing what you had to do to comply, but that was your responsibility.

“We take on board the changes you have made and that your business is now operating in a totally satisfactory manner.”

Abdullah was ordered to pay £125 for each offence. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.