Bakery fined over cleanliness failure

A long-established Kidderminster bakery failed to meet modern standards of cleanliness when it was visited by environmental health inspectors.

Owner Steven Ray, whose great-grandfather founded Rays Bakery in 1886, was fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs.

Ray, aged 44, of Yellowhammer Court, Spennells, Kidderminster, admitted failing to comply with food hygiene regulations and with a hygiene improvement notice issued by Wyre Forest Council.

Mr Ben Williams, prosecuting for the council at Hereford Crown Court, said at Tony's Bakery, Peel Street, Kidderminster, on August 20, 2007, officers found grease and debris, carbonised baking trays and bags of flour – making it difficult to clean the floor.

Bread rolling machines were dirty and disinfectant in a food preparation area. Ray closed for a day a week for cleaning. He bought extra flour, stored on pallets, anticipating a price rise.

Mr Andrew Wilkins, defending, said Ray did a food hygiene course and alterations cost £25,000.

Ray's father, Tony, was also charged but no longer had anything to do with the bakery. He was discharged but stress, he was 72, caused him to have three strokes and two heart attacks.