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Officers from the Warrington Borough Council’s Business Compliance Team visited Samco Spice Ltd – trading as The Cottage, located at 90 Church Street, Warrington WA1 2TF. The director at the time of the inspection was Sajjadur Aziz Malik.

During the visit, officers discovered very poor standards of food safety and hygiene, including inadequate cleaning, insufficient staff training, and a lack of effective food safety management systems. An imminent risk to public health was identified due to cockroach activity throughout the premises, including the kitchen and food storage areas. As a result, the premises closed voluntarily on the same day.

Further inspections in August 2024 confirmed that cockroach activity was ongoing.

The business subsequently ceased trading and was later taken over by new, unrelated owners. During the course of the investigation, Mr Malik left the country but later returned.

On 11 March 2026, Mr Malik appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to 11 offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. He was:

• Fined: £2,769
• Victim surcharge: £1,108
• Costs: £3,739
• Total financial penalty: £7,616

The company, Samco Spice Ltd, received a separate nominal fine of £300 and a £120 victim surcharge.

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