Indian snacks were ‘mouldy'

A CATERER has been warned he could face jail after environmental health officers discovered trays of mouldy Indian snacks on his stall at a public event.

Magistrates at Wareham, Dorset, heard that EHOs found 59 trays of contaminated onion bhajis, samosas and pakora on Suresh Patel's Krishna's Indian Cuisine stand the day before the Great Dorset Steam fair last September.

Prosecutor David Hollings, of North Dorset Council, likened extensive growths of mould on 23 trays to "widespread little white blobs which contrasted sharply with the brown food".

Patel, of Bilston, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to possessing food that was unfit for human consumption, of failing to keep food trays and yogurt sauce containers clean, and of failing to maintain hygienic premises. Hollings described his stand and refrigerated lorry as "grimy".

The 42-year-old father of three has lived on benefit since he was forced to cease trading. Magistrate Paul Farmer deferred sentence until 14 April.