Hygiene Prohibition Order at Taunton's The Range

Taunton Magistrates' Court agreed to enforce the order on Plymouth-based CDS (Superstores International) Ltd, the owner of The Range Home and Leisure outlet on Hankridge Way, a short distance from Junction 25 of the M5 motorway.

Emily Vining, the public health manager at Somerset West and Taunton Council, served the original prohibition notice on The Range on Tuesday, August 16, following a visit to the premises.

The court, sitting on Wednesday (September 7) heard that Ms Vining was "satisfied that the health risk condition was fulfilled...and that the health risk condition was and remains fulfilled".

The Range stocks "everyday essentials, including cleaning, health and wellbeing, food, pet care and more. It has more than 180 stores in the UK and also has an online offering.

The court order prohibits the company from using its unit at Hankridge Way "for the purpose of the retail sale of food for human consumption. The order does not apply to other non-food items in the store.

The Range was also ordered to pay court costs of £6,250. which must be paid by October 5.

A statement issued by the court to The Range said: "The making of an order does not mean you are guilty of an offence, but the authority may seek to prosecute you for offences under the Food Safety Act 1990, Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 or associated legislation."

The company has been ordered to fix a copy of the order on the premises or equipment which is not to be used.

The court statement to The Range added: "If you believe you have acted to remove the imminent risk of injury to health, you should apply in writing to the relevant local authority for a certificate which would allow you to use the premises, process, treatment or equipment again.

"Anyone who knowingly contravenes this order is guilty of an offence."

Offenders could be liable to be fined and/or jailed for up to two years.