Reading butchery fined thousands for repeated food hygiene breaches

A READING butchers and its director have been successfully prosecuted by the Council and fined more than £31,000 for serious and repeated food safety breaches. 

Freddies Afro Caribbean Ltd, on Whitley Street, Reading, was formally closed for 16 days in October last year after the Council’s Food Safety officers identified a serious cockroach infestation in the butchery area, and rat droppings found throughout the premises, during a routine inspection.  

Reading Magistrates ratified the Council’s Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notices, and the business was handed the lowest possible food hygiene rating score of 0 out of 5.  

Food Safety Officers made multiple follow-up inspection visits over the following weeks to monitor the improvements required to be made by the business operator.  

Freddies was allowed to re-open and resume trade on 31 October 2024, following full pest control treatment and a deep clean of the premises. 

Sentencing took place at Reading Magistrates Court on 7 November 2025. The company, Freddies Afro Caribbean Ltd, pleaded guilty to six food hygiene offences. It was fined £11,880, plus half the Council’s costs of £2,010, a victim surcharge of £4,752.    

Mr Otoo, sole director of Freddies Afro Caribbean Ltd, also pleaded guilty to six separate food hygiene offences. He was fined £7,800, plus half the Council’s costs of £2,010 and ordered to pay the victim surcharge of £3,120. 

The financial penalties totalled £31,572. The fines were reduced as credit was given for the early guilty pleas  The fines must be paid within three years.  

The fine for Mr Otoo follows a previous case in 2023 where Food Safety officers removed illegal ‘Smokies’ from the business. 

Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education, said:  

“Infestations of this nature are not only unacceptable but can cause significant harm, including the spread of food poisoning diseases. In their repeated failures to uphold proper levels of hygiene, the business and its operator demonstrated a blatant disregard for the health and safety of their customers, staff, and the wider community.  

“Our Environmental Health officers work hard to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors. In this case, they intervened in appalling conditions, and their hard work led to a successful prosecution. 

“We expect all food businesses to always maintain the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. While we aim to support them in meeting their obligations, we will take appropriate enforcement action where serious risks persist.”  

Anyone concerned about safety or hygiene at a food business is encouraged to report them in confidence at https://www.reading.gov.uk/business/consumer-advice/food-safety/. Any businesses requiring guidance or support are also encouraged to make contact for some free initial advice.  

ENDS