Birmingham Chip Shop Owner Receives Sentence Over Serious Hygiene Breaches
Environmental health inspectors discovered alarming conditions at a city centre fish and chip shop, including a toilet that opened directly into a room where food was handled. The findings led to significant legal consequences for the business owner.
Multiple Inspection Failures Uncovered
Officers from Birmingham City Council's Environmental Health team conducted two visits to Rodroj Fish & Chips at Smallbrook Queensway in March and May 2023. Their inspections revealed a series of serious violations that put public health at risk.
The establishment, which has since closed permanently, was found to have failed compliance with four separate hygiene improvement notices. Among the most concerning discoveries was the direct access between a toilet facility and a food preparation area, creating a significant contamination risk.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Ibrahim Aksoy from Smethwick appeared before Birmingham magistrates in September 2025, where he pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Food Safety Act 1990. Eight of these charges related specifically to conditions at the chip shop premises.
The court imposed a substantial £8,000 fine alongside a seven-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Additionally, Aksoy received a four-year ban from serving as a company director, reflecting the seriousness of the hygiene breaches.
Detailed Inspection Findings
Council reports presented to the licensing and public protection committee detailed multiple failures at the establishment:
- Inadequate staff training procedures
- No evidence of proper food safety management systems
- Failure to maintain accurate allergen information
- Insufficient drainage facilities
- The critical issue of toilet access directly into food handling areas
During the second inspection, officers found the business had completely failed to implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles, which are fundamental to food safety management.
Related Business Also Found Non-Compliant
The council's investigation extended to Rodroj Convenience Store at the same Smallbrook Queensway address, where inspectors identified similar failures to implement proper food safety procedures. This resulted in an additional offence being brought against the owner.
Both establishments have now ceased trading, with the council confirming their closure following the legal proceedings. The case highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards in food businesses and the serious consequences that can follow when these standards are not met.
The detailed findings were formally documented in a Birmingham City Council report presented to committee members in January 2026, ensuring transparency about the enforcement action taken against the non-compliant businesses.
