Latest News - Prosecutions

The owner of Darlington takeaway, Cuisine Marmaris on Parkgate, has been prosecuted after repeated inspections revealed dirty conditions and serious risks to public health.

At Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on 10 December, Mr Ranga Gunumuthu of Newton Way, Stockton-on-Tees, pleaded guilty to failing to keep his premises clean as required by food hygiene law and was ordered to pay £850 in fines and court costs.

Environmental health officers from Darlington Borough Council visited the takeaway on four separate occasions between March and April 2025.  A routine inspection on 6 March found that the premises and equipment were dirty and food was at risk of contamination. The premises was downgraded to a three-star (satisfactory) rating which prompted further visits in April - one of which resulted in the business receiving a zero-star (urgent improvement necessary) rating.

During one visit, 15 breaches of food hygiene legislation were uncovered including out-of-date food, dirty equipment and leaking pipes. Environmental swabbing also revealed contamination levels on a salad preparation surface nearly 30 times higher than acceptable standards.

Despite repeated opportunities to address the hygiene issues raised, Mr Gunumuthu failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and conditions at the premises continued to deteriorate, placing customers at risk.

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