A takeaway has been fined £1400 after a piece of metal was found in a customer’s food.

Hyndburn Council’s Food and Safety Team investigated a complaint from a member of the public who claimed they found a foreign object in the chip sandwich whilst eating it.

Foodies Accrington Limited, trading as Park Chippy on Blackburn Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to one offence at Burnley Magistrates Court. The Company admitted failing to ensure that food was protected against any contamination likely to render the food injurious to health.

During the investigation officers found a damaged chip basket on the premises and noted that the piece of metal found in the chip sandwich was the same as the metal missing from the damaged chip basket.

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The investigation identified shortfalls in the Company’s procedures and management of damaged equipment which led to the contamination.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Food Safety, said: “Our Food and Safety Team carry out lots of proactive work to support businesses to trade safely, including offering free advice sessions. 

"They work hard to ensure public safety, so it’s important that we investigate complaints and take the necessary action when required. Since this case the Food & Safety Team has worked with the owners of Park Chippy and acknowledges that they have since revised their procedures in order to prevent such an incident from happening again.”

The Company was ordered to pay a fine of £1400 together with prosecution costs of £600 and a court surcharge of £140. An additional £200 compensation was also ordered to be paid to the complainant.