Ealing Dumpling Manufacturer Hit with £78,000 Fine for Severe Hygiene Breaches
A West London food manufacturer has been slapped with a substantial £78,000 fine after council inspectors discovered alarming levels of mould and construction dust contaminating food preparation areas. Limasole Ltd, which operates under the name Hong's Dumplings and is based in Acton, supplies frozen dumplings and gyozas to numerous Asian supermarkets and restaurants across the region.
Repeated Violations and Council Action
In March 2024, officers from Ealing Council conducted an inspection at the company's premises on Colville Road. They observed paint flaking directly above the active food production line, alongside dirty and damaged equipment. Shockingly, a rodent bait box was found placed on a work surface, posing a direct contamination risk. As a result, the council issued a remedial action notice, prohibiting the use of the dumpling production room until significant improvements were made.
Although this notice was withdrawn the following month after the site showed some improvement, a subsequent unannounced visit in June 2024 revealed staff were using a conveyor belt that was both dirty and mouldy. Additionally, construction work was being carried out adjacent to food preparation areas, raising serious concerns about dust and debris contamination.
Defiance of Legal Notices and Court Proceedings
The council reimposed the notice, which was again lifted a month later when hygiene standards appeared to be restored. However, investigations confirmed that the company had continued to produce and sell food while the latter notice was still in effect, demonstrating a blatant disregard for regulatory requirements.
On February 2, Limasole Ltd and its director, Zhuo Yu 'Sharon' Zhao from Baronsmede in Ealing, pleaded guilty to a total of 20 food hygiene and safety offences at Isleworth Crown Court. The company was fined £45,000, with additional costs of £17,000 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. Director Zhao received a personal fine of £8,000, along with £4,000 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Council's Commitment to Public Safety
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council's cabinet member for decent living incomes, emphasized the council's unwavering dedication to food safety. "Our food safety team works tirelessly to ensure that food businesses in the borough are operating to legal hygiene standards," Nagpal stated. "It is vital that these businesses act responsibly to keep their customers safe, as the consequences of dirty working practices can quickly lead to substantial outbreaks of sickness."
Nagpal further highlighted the council's supportive role, noting, "We are ready to support any local food businesses if they need extra help to maintain a high standard. We will continue to act quickly and decisively against the minority of irresponsible businesses that ignore the rules and put the public at risk." This case underscores the critical importance of adherence to food safety regulations in protecting consumer health and maintaining public trust in the food industry.
