12 photos show the shocking scenes found by health inspectors inside pizza takeaway

Sunderland City Council discovered a host of issues when they made a check of Pizza King in Front Street, Chilton Moor, in May last year.

In the wake of a court case against its manager Arash Rezakhani, the authority has released photos captured by its team as they catalogued a range of concerns over food hygine and cleanliness.

The 45-year-old, of Gosforth Avenue in South Shields, admitted six charges of failing to comply with EU food safety and hygiene linked to keeping the premises clean, ensuring the premises were maintained in good repair, fittings and equipment were cleaned, disinfected and kept in good order, ingredients were stored appropriately and pest control procedures were in place.

He also admitted failing to meet a requirement of a health and safety notice after not passing on evidence work had been carried out to repair electrics in the building, with all relating to May 29, 2019.

South Tyneside Magistrates, which was told he had never been in trouble before, ordered him to pay fines of £320 and £480, a victim surcharge of £80 and court costs of £1,700.

After the case, deputy leader of the council, Councillor Paul Stewart said: “All food that’s kept or served must be stored safely and be hygienically prepared.

“The vast majority of stores, bars, pubs and takeaways in Sunderland do comply with regulations.

"However, where they do not there are no excuses for neglecting food hygiene and posing risks to their customers’ health.

“These prosecutions are a reminder to all food businesses of their responsibilities to residents and we have no hesitations about prosecuting breaches of food hygiene and safety regulations.”