Poor food hygiene is a serious offence that businesses should be doing all they can to avoid, with the latest reminder served up by a restaurant in York that is now facing 13 charges.
Vecchia Scuola is an Italian eatery in the heart of the historic city, but inspectors believe it has not been pulling its weight when it comes to cleaning and adequate food handling, reports the Yorker. All of the charges levelled at the company relate to incidents that occurred over just seven months.
The City of York Council sent food inspectors to the restaurant and they reported back to bosses that kitchen staff were failing to protect against cross contamination, food was being stored at the wrong temperatures and that surfaces and equipment was not being kept as clean as it should be.
If the restaurant is guilty of such offences, it could start by investing in the latest cleaning products and ordering staff to carry out some much-needed maintenance work. Spending a few hours cleaning on a regular basis can make all the difference to a food business.
As well as the aforementioned offences Vecchia Scuola is charged with committing, it was said that it had not ensured its kitchen staff followed the necessary personal hygiene steps. Certain standards are demanded of all employees who come into contact with food and areas in which it is prepared.
Vincenzo Fuccio, the boss of the business, explained his duties do not extend beyond providing front of house services, which typically include welcoming and seating guests. He did not enter a plea when faced with the allegations in court.
In order to avoid facing court appearances and allegations of poor hygiene, restaurants may be wise to do all they can to keep their premises clean on a daily basis. This can be carried out alongside other shrewd steps, such as investing in staff training and education so that high standards are achieved at all times.
