A Ghanaian national residing in the UK has been prohibited from engaging in any food-related business activities for the next five years following severe food hygiene violations. Stephen Akuoko, 62, was found to be storing fish in unsanitary conditions, specifically in a bathtub located next to his toilet, for use in meals sold commercially.
Akuoko operated a food business named Tribal Foods from Watford, Hertfordshire, for over three years. He prepared ready meals that were supplied to supermarkets and smaller retail outlets in the surrounding areas. Investigations revealed that these products often had extended expiry dates and lacked proper ingredient labelling, leading to them being deemed unfit for consumption.
The discovery of these practices came to light in October 2024 when firefighters responded to a blaze at Akuoko's residence. During their intervention, they encountered significant amounts of fish stored in the bathroom, both in the bathtub and on the floor, adjacent to the toilet.
Following the incident, Akuoko reportedly assured Trading Standards investigators that he would cease all operations under the Tribal Foods brand. However, surveillance footage later showed him making multiple deliveries of unlabelled products to a local shop just a week after this promise.
Appearing at St Albans Crown Court, Akuoko pleaded guilty to two charges related to food safety offences. The court heard that his business had been under investigation due to concerns about inappropriately long use-by dates and missing ingredient information on his products.
Prosecutor Michael Coley described Akuoko as difficult to locate and noted his aggressive behaviour when questioned by officers. Despite an initial claim that the food was for personal family consumption after the fire incident, subsequent evidence contradicted this.
Judge Francis Sheridan strongly criticised Akuoko's methods, describing the storage of food in such a manner as "frankly disgusting" and "unfit for human consumption." The judge highlighted the potential danger to public health, stating that such practices could lead to severe consequences, including food poisoning and even death, which could result in manslaughter charges.
Akuoko received a two-year suspended prison sentence and the five-year ban from operating any food business. Environmental health teams were commended for their diligent investigation, which was deemed a public service.
Justine Hoy, Associate Director of Housing and Wellbeing for Watford Borough Council, emphasised the importance of food safety regulations and the council's commitment to enforcing them. She stated that the council would take firm action against any business that jeopardises public health and reaffirmed their dedication to upholding high food safety standards within Watford.
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