Reading butchery fined £31,000 for food hygiene breaches

Freddies Afro Caribbean Ltd and its sole director, Mr Otoo, have been fined more than £31,000 following repeated food safety breaches at their butchery in Reading. The business, located on Whitley Street, was previously closed for 16 days in October 2024 after inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation and rat droppings throughout the premises.

During sentencing at Reading Magistrates Court, the company pleaded guilty to six food hygiene offences, resulting in a fine of £11,880 plus costs and surcharges. Mr Otoo also pleaded guilty to six separate offences, receiving a fine of £7,800 plus costs and surcharges. The total financial penalty imposed stands at £31,572. This follows a 2023 incident where food safety officers removed illegal ‘Smokies’ from the business.