A STOURBRIDGE pub owner can never run a food business again after mouldy and out-of-date food was found in fridges along with a mouse infestation.

Daryosh Rossookh, of Hunter’s Ride in Stourbridge, owned The Navigation pub in Greensforge, Kingswinford but has now been told by magistrates he can never run a food business again.

Rossookh appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court earlier this week, where he pleaded guilty to nine offences contrary to Food Hygiene Regulations and five offences contrary to Health and Safety legislation.

South Staffordshire Council food safety officers carried out several visits to the pub where they reported the incorrect usage of coloured cutting boards contrary to the pub’s own system – presenting a cross-contamination risk.

Stourbridge News: The incorrect usage of coloured cutting boards contrary to the pub’s own system were used.The incorrect usage of coloured cutting boards contrary to the pub’s own system were used. (Image: South Staffordshire Council.)

Rodent droppings were also found in the bar and a putrefied mouse was discovered on a shelf behind the beer pulls.

No action had been taken to deal with a long-standing rodent issue at the premises, nor was suitable cleaning undertaken of these areas.

Conditions in the cellar were also said to be dangerous, with the cellar steps obstructed with stock and carbon dioxide cylinders unrestrained.

Cellar walls, ceiling and fans were blackened with a build-up of mould, with no maintenance procedures in place.

No personal protective equipment had been provided to staff for the purpose of beer line cleaning, which involves the use of a corrosive substance.

The exception to this was a pair of mould-speckled eye goggles in the cellar.

Stourbridge News: Dirt was found underneath the fridge in the kitchen. Dirt was found underneath the fridge in the kitchen. (Image: South Staffordshire Council.)

South Staffordshire Council officers visited the premises numerous times between 2016 and 2022 – serving a total of three Hygiene Improvement Notices and providing substantial advice, guidance and support.

But any improvements made following these inspections were short lived.

As a result of a final inspection in May, the council’s officers made an application for a Prohibition Order – with a view to preventing 64-year-old Rossookh from ever again running a food business.

At Rossookh’s appearance on Tuesday, June 6, Cannock Magistrates stated that some recent improvements had been made but felt that these were far too little too late and that repeated visits had been made by the officers to try to assist him in getting the business up to standard. 

The magistrates considered there had been a disregard for the advice from the officers, and the safety of his staff and customers.

Magistrates upheld the Prohibition Order application, as well as ordering Rossookh to pay fines and costs totalling £7,899.

Stourbridge News: South Staffordshire Council food safety officers carried out several visits to the pub.South Staffordshire Council food safety officers carried out several visits to the pub. (Image: South Staffordshire Council.)

Councillor Rita Heseltine, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “Officers have worked with Mr Rossookh for a number of years, educating and advising on food hygiene matters - but despite this, there was no real or sustained improvement, reflecting his blatant disregard for food-related health risks.

“Where public health is at risk, we will always take appropriate legal action.

“It was a difficult decision to apply for an order prohibiting Mr Rossookh from running a food business in the future. Our officers do all they can to support local businesses, but the safety of our residents is paramount.

“We will not allow our residents to be put at risk and therefore are very pleased with the outcome decided by the court and the strong message this sends.”