Calderdale Magistrates Court has closed down a Yorkshire-based food canning factory that council environmental health officers said was “putting people’s health at risk”. (foodmanufacture.co.uk)
When officers from Calderdale Council visited the chickpea canning factory, run by United National Foods, they found evidence of a rat infestation, poorly maintained machinery and dirty equipment. They also said fish food appeared to have been placed through the same machinery as food destined for the human food chain.
Mark Thompson, head of housing and environment at the council, added: “The problems uncovered by our officers at this factory were posing an imminent risk to people’s health. This case should send out a message to any other companies and businesses that are not adhering to hygiene standards.”
The Food Standards Agency is now working with Calderdale Council’s environmental health team to decide which food products, if any, need to be recalled.
