A Huddersfield restaurant owner has avoided prison after a series of “serious” food hygiene breaches.
Mr Ali Shan, 40, from Brighouse is the owner and director of La Jawab Cafe and Select Grill, 9 and 15 Blacker Road in Birkby.
In early 2024, Environmental Health Officers visited the premises to conduct food hygiene inspections where they found serious food hygiene breaches, including food left at unsafe temperatures, dirty spice containers, and staff who were lacking essential safety training.
Chilled foods such as salads, donner meat, curry and rice, were not temperature controlled and were shown to be far above the legal limit of 8°C. Mouse droppings were found underneath a shelf in the cellar, and mould seen growing on a chopping board.
Officers revisited the establishments several times to give Mr Shan the opportunity to make the necessary improvements. But despite multiple warnings, Mr Shan failed to address the breaches and was prosecuted at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on 20 May 2025.
Mr Shan was prosecuted for multiple food safety offences, including improper food storage, failure to maintain hygiene standards, and non-compliance with improvement notices issued by Environmental Health Officers.
At a court hearing on 20 May 2025 at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, Mr Shan was ordered to pay a total of £6,672.33, including a £2,307 fine, a £923 surcharge, and £3,442.33 in court costs. Mr Shan was also advised by the Magistrate that he could have been sent to prison.
Those convicted of food hygiene offences can face sentences of up to two years in prison as well as fines.
Both La Jawab Cafe and Select Grill were given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 court surcharge each.
Following the prosecution, Mr Shan has made significant improvements to Select Grill and has started implementing the advice provided by Environmental Health Officers.
He has bought new equipment including new display chillers, carried out refurbishment to improve the layout, and has also arranged for his staff and himself to have the appropriate food hygiene training.
Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment said: “It is disappointing that it has taken prosecution and the threat of a prison sentence for a business owner to take food safety seriously. Despite receiving advice and support from the council, Mr Shan continued to put the public at risk.
“I’m pleased to hear that improvements have now been made, but this case should serve as a warning to others – food safety is not optional. Holding food operators to account is essential in helping our communities stay well and ensuring that residents and visitors can dine with confidence.
“If you run a food business, the council’s Environmental Health Team is here to support you to ensure you are providing a service that meets food hygiene regulations.”
Food business owners looking to improve hygiene standards can access support through Kirklees Council’s Food Safety Team. Their low-cost ‘Steps to Success’ course provides essential training for food handlers.
For further information, please contact the Food Safety Team on 01484 221000 or email food.safety@kirklees.gov.uk.
