Watford Market trader Glomens fined over 'unsafe' food

The council applied for a food condemnation order after officers seized fish and poultry products from Glomens African Store on November 6.

The shop sells a range of African cosmetic and grocery products.

In a hearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court last week, the order was granted, with a large amount of seafood destroyed as a result.

The items were: 23 cooked Rohu fish portions, which were unlabelled and unpackaged, seven unlabelled plastic boxes of sprat and prawn mix, and five unlabelled boxes of Turkey tails.

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Deputy mayor Cllr Aga Dychton, portfolio holder for community, said that the items were produced in "unregulated conditions" and represented a "serious risk to public health".

Cllr Dychton said: "Despite prior warnings, this marks the fourth incident of unsafe food sales by this premises, requiring formal enforcement action. The court has also granted recovery of costs associated with this case."

Glomens in Watford Market. (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick) In court last week, business owner Gloria Penkwah was ordered to pay £5,180.06 to the council.

Cllr Dychton added: "Watford has a proud history as a market town, and we remain committed to ensuring high standards for public safety and food quality.

"Our focus is on safeguarding public health and preserving the trust and integrity of Watford’s markets. We urge all traders to comply with food safety regulations to protect customers and uphold the reputation of our market community."

Ms Penkwah has been approached for comment.