FOREST Heath District Council has successfully prosecuted a Newmarket care home for having a dirty kitchen, equipment and failing to implement food safety systems to ensure good food hygiene and safe food.

Fines totalling £11,100 were imposed on Four Seasons, the company that runs Kingfisher House, a care home registered to look after 91 people.

"This successful prosecution will serve as a sharp reminder to everyone in the food business that Forest Heath District Council has a robust inspection policy and will not hesitate to take action where necessary in the interest of the health and wellbeing of our communities. We will always offer help and guidance to enable premises to improve, as is the case with Kingfisher House and expect to work positively with all our clients to ensure the highest standards of care and cleanliness across the district" said Councillor Rona Burt, Member Champion for Regulatory Services.

Mildenhall Magistrates told the company that the dirty kitchen and equipment had the potential to cause illness and to jeopardise the safety of staff.

Four Seasons pleaded guilty to six offences and outlined the new procedures and staff training which are now in place. The offences were discovered by Environmental Health officers following a complaint.

The council was also granted its £3,500 costs.