I can't be bothered to go back in the search records on this site but I wrote a long saga about a local Turkish owned hypermarket which used to be called Cheam Food Centre. Now renamed Cheam Arena.
Check it out on the web if you will. A year after opening it was inspected by FSA and some hygiene issues were established. The FSA did not close them but warned them to rectify the issues or be closed. No FSA cert was issued.For about two more years they displayed their original out of date FSA cerificate and despite frequent visits only took it down after 3 years. The hygiene issues were worse. Staff used the rear access lane as a lavatory and rotting unsold foodstuffs were left to rot. A neighbour wrote a long letter to the local Surtton Guardian highlighting his concerns and the severe health ramifications. The FSA never closed that premises down but just gave warnings.They probably have no FSA approval certificates to this day.
diddly “ I've been cooking for well over 50 years and it's no big deal! The only takeaway I've ever had is fish and chips (if that even counts!)”
Me too, diddly, but currently, with a painful leg and trying to do everything else, I just fancy a night off! Pre-covid we’d have regular takeaways, but not since.
You have Totally misunderstood the role of the FSA. Its function is as a national inspector. It does not bring prosecutions, or close food estabishments down - that is the job of the local authority.
The FSA has the power to inspect without an appointment. Its findings are passed on to the local authority and the report can be evidence in a prosecution.
The failure (if a £38,000 fine is a failure) rests with Kingston Council.
Allen, it goes back to the early 70s when frozen cats and dogs were found in the cold room of a chinese takeaway, after that a 1000 jokes by comedians made it urban mythery but I think it did stem from a true story originally.