A RAGLAN pub has been fined £500 and £300 costs for food hygiene offences.

The Crown Inn, Raglan was fined by Abertillery magistrates who heard business operator, Mrs Allyson John plead guilty to four offences under the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006.

Mrs John was fined for offences of failing to maintain the premises in a clean condition, failing to keep equipment clean, having in possession for sale seven foods past their "use-by" dates and having in possession for sale, mouldy food items.

Mr Ioan Gealy, prosecuting, told the court that during a routine inspection on October 23, 2009, an officer found the kitchen and its equipment to be in a very dirty and greasy condition.

In addition, seven food items were found past their use-by dates, which is an offence under the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. Two food items were found to be mouldy.  

Councillor Phil Murphy, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said, "Environmental Health Officers work with businesses to ensure legal requirements are met and the food produced is safe. 

"However, if businesses do not maintain adequate standards of cleanliness and fail to implement the necessary food safety controls, food safety may be put at risk and enforcement action has to be taken - with a high cost to the business involved."

If businesses require advice on food safety legislation they should contact their local Environmental Health Department.  Food businesses in Monmouthshire should telephone 01633 644100.