Cwmbran Baker Fined £4,300 for Shocking Hygiene Failures

A Cwmbran bakery owner has been ordered to pay over £4,300 after pleading guilty to multiple food hygiene offences that led to the temporary closure of his business. 🍞❌

Robert Iggulden of Greenmeadow Bakery in Cwmbran appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13 March where he admitted to three breaches of food hygiene requirements following a routine inspection.

The court heard of the “long history of poor food hygiene conditions” at the bakery, including a previous conviction. Mr Iggulden was fined £2,048 with a victim surcharge of £819, plus a contribution of £1,436 towards council costs – totalling £4,303.

Council Environmental Health Officers discovered shocking conditions during their January 2024 inspection, including:

• Premises in dirty condition with unhygienic food preparation areas
• Build-up of dirt and debris behind equipment, on shelving, work surfaces and inside fridges
• Stale bread and biscuits piled on the floor to absorb a water leak
• Mould and dirt inside windowsills
• Heavily stained walls
• Cobwebs and spiders hanging from ceilings
• Pre-prepared rolls stored in a defective refrigerator at unsafe temperatures

The bakery was immediately closed and only permitted to reopen after professional contractors spent a week thoroughly cleaning and decluttering the premises.

The business received a food hygiene rating of 0 out of 5 initially, though a subsequent inspection in July 2024 saw this improved to a rating of 2.

Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment, said: “This case illustrates the important work of the Council’s Public Protection service in delivering food hygiene inspections. It shows the swift action that will be taken if food premises are found to be in a condition that puts consumers at risk.”

“I hope this case reassures consumers that food safety is taken very seriously in Torfaen, and I would like to thank officers for their robust action and for bringing this matter before the court.”

Residents with concerns about food safety standards can contact the Food and Health Protection Team on 01633 648009 or email [email protected].