Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's renowned River Cottage Canteen in Plymouth has been slapped with a £1,500 fine after health inspectors discovered alarming food safety violations, including mouldy cheese being served to unsuspecting customers.
Shocking Discovery During Routine Inspection
Environmental health officers from Plymouth City Council made the disturbing find during an unannounced visit to the popular waterfront establishment. The inspection revealed multiple breaches of food safety regulations that would make any diner's stomach turn.
The Damning Evidence
Inspectors documented several critical violations:
- Mouldy cheese actively being used in food preparation
- Inadequate temperature control of high-risk foods
- Poor cleaning practices throughout the kitchen
- Insufficient food safety management systems
Restaurant's Response and Court Outcome
The restaurant chain, owned by River Cottage Limited, pleaded guilty to two food hygiene offences at Plymouth Magistrates' Court. Despite the company's previously spotless record, District Judge Matson emphasized the seriousness of the offences, particularly the mould contamination that posed direct health risks to customers.
River Cottage Limited was ordered to pay £1,500 in fines plus £1,127 in costs and a £150 victim surcharge. The company expressed deep regret for the incidents, attributing them to temporary staffing issues during a period of management transition.
From TV Fame to Food Safety Shame
The case presents a particular embarrassment for Fearnley-Whittingstall, who has built his celebrity reputation on championing high-quality, sustainable food practices through his television programmes and cookbooks. The irony isn't lost on food critics and safety campaigners that an establishment bearing his name would commit such fundamental food safety errors.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even establishments with celebrity endorsements must maintain rigorous food safety standards to protect public health.
