A TAKEAWAY owner is awaiting sentence for hygiene breaches after Environmental Health Officers found 'poor' conditions and food at serious risk of contamination.

Saghir Ahmed, owner of Big Bite Pizzeria on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, was investigated after the premises were found to present an 'imminent risk of injury to health' in August 2018.

Ahmed was ordered to close his shop immediately, but Middlesbrough Council said it had been informed that a customer had managed to order food through Just Eat.

The takeaway was allowed to re-open to customers two weeks later once officers were satisfied that it could operate without risk to consumers.

Appearing before Teesside Magistrates on Monday, Ahmed of Devonshire Road in Middlesbrough, was convicted under food hygiene and consumer protection laws.

Ahmed had been charged by Middlesbrough Council's Public Protection Service with failing to keep the premises and equipment clean, and failing to register as the operator of the business.

In court, his solicitor claimed Ahmed had not been involved in the business at the time of the inspection, but after hearing that he was the sole account holder with JustEat and his name was on several documents linking him to the business, magistrates found him guilty of all charges.

Magistrates have since passed the case to Teesside Crown Court for sentencing at a later date.

Charges were also brought against Big Bite Original Ltd and its director as they were registered as trading at the Linthorpe Road address. The case against these has been adjourned. 

Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council's Head of Public Protection, said: "Mr Ahmed held strong links to the business and was shown to be in control of the income generated through the Just Eat account.

"He was therefore shown to be closely involved in how the business was run and was charged with offences under food and consumer protection laws."

Councillor Dorothy Davison, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Adult Services & Health, said: "Food businesses must operate hygienically and ensure that consumers can make an informed food choice. 

"The way this business was being managed led to unsatisfactory hygiene standards and misleading practices."