Takeaway owners fined after repeated food hygiene breaches in Newcastle

The owners of a former Newcastle takeaway have been fined after repeated and severe food hygiene breaches revealed filthy conditions, decaying food, and a complete disregard for public safety.

Environmental health officers first visited the filthy tandoori premises in March 2024, where they discovered a kitchen in shocking disrepair. Surfaces were covered in grime, sponges and cloths were filthy, food was stored in dirty containers without use-by dates, and yoghurt more than two months out of date had visibly curdled. Food temperature records were non-existent, and there was no hand sanitiser available for staff. The result was inevitable—a zero food hygiene rating.

When the owners, Bina and Abu Essa of Railway Terrace, Wallsend, paid for a second inspection the following month, inspectors found little improvement. The council formally warned the couple to clean up their act or face prosecution. Five months later, during a third inspection, conditions had deteriorated even further.

Inspectors reported that staff could not wash their hands because a metal bench blocked the wash basin. Containers of mouldy food were found in fridges, alongside a bucket of rancid liquid containing decomposing chicken. Food was stored uncovered and undated, significantly increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

The council subsequently took the couple to court. Both admitted to five offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. Each was fined £480, reduced to £320 due to early guilty pleas, and ordered to pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 in costs—totalling £533 each.

In mitigation, the court heard that the pair had struggled to manage the business effectively. Mrs Essa claimed staff refused to follow her instructions. The couple have since given up ownership of the takeaway, although Mrs Essa remains employed part-time at the premises under new management.

Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Alex Hay, commented:

“Anyone who sees the photos of these premises will be horrified. It was filthy. Poor food management not only endangers public health but also poses a serious risk to those with allergies. We cannot stress enough the importance of good hygiene and food management—it’s common sense and what the public rightly expect.”

He added that while the council prefers to work with businesses to raise standards, it will not hesitate to prosecute where public safety is at risk.

In a separate case heard earlier the same week, Abu Essa was fined again after admitting further hygiene breaches at Heaton Tandoori on Addycombe Terrace . During that inspection, environmental health officers found dirty work surfaces, missing floor coverings, and no record of fridge temperatures. He was fined £480, again reduced to £320 for a guilty plea, plus costs.

Essa’s solicitor told magistrates that his client “had failed to cope” after being let down by others and had since given up the premises. He now claims Universal Credit and works part-time as a kitchen assistant .

Councillor Hay reiterated the council’s stance:

“When the public buy a takeaway, they should be confident it’s been prepared in a clean, safe environment. When one operator fails, it undermines trust across the whole hospitality sector. Our message is clear: we will prosecute those who flout the law and put the public at risk.”

This case serves as a sobering reminder for all food operators. Maintaining hygiene is not optional—it’s the foundation of trust between businesses and the public. Poor management, complacency, or lack of training are not valid excuses. In an era when consumers demand transparency and councils have the authority to publish hygiene ratings online, reputational damage can be swift and severe.

For responsible operators, this story underscores why routine self-auditing, staff training, and consistent cleaning practices are non-negotiable. The public’s confidence in the hospitality and takeaway sector depends on it.