Troubled SFI Group faces food safety allegations
The Slug and Lettuce in Upper King Street, Norwich, has been accused of selling food past its use by date and keeping mouldy food in its fridge.
Owner SFI Group is facing eight allegations involving food safety and one involving employees' safety dating back to October last year.
The case was adjourned by Norwich magistrates earlier this week to give Surrey-based SFI Group, which has not yet entered a plea, time to prepare its case.
But chairwoman of the magistrates Jenny Clayton said the matter should be dealt with as quickly as possible.
"As members of the public we are aware that this firm continues to trade with these charges against it," she added.
SFI Group is being prosecuted by Norwich City Council. It is charged with failing to ensure the safety of the workers by not keeping cellar stairs in a safe condition.
It is also charged with selling mozzarella cheese, sausages in gravy and hummus past their use-by dates. The council also claims there were mouldy baked beans and rancid milk in the fridge and staff washing facilities were inadequate. SFI Group is also charged with failing to make sure adequate food safety procedures had been implemented. It is thought the case will be heard early next year.
SFI Group, which owns the Slug and Lettuce and Bar Med brands, is currently in a financial crisis amid crippling debts of more than £150m.
Pictured: One of SFI's Slug and Lettuce outlets.
