A trendy bakery in north London has been slapped with a fine of more than £8,000 for a host of offences - including using sugar in its products.
Council inspectors found mouse droppings and poor hygiene standards when they visited Romeo’s Sugar Free Bakery in Islington last year.
The Upper Street eatery is described on its website as “London’s first sugar free and gluten free bakery”.
But inspectors discovered that it was making “incorrect nutritional claims” by sweetening its products with sugar from fruit.
It was also using the sweetener Stevia, which is not permitted in baked goods, the inspectors said.
At a hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on September 8, Islington Sugar Free Bakery Ltd and owner Romeo Dalh both admitted seven food hygiene and food standards offences.
The fines and cost for each defendant was £4,043.75, with the total reaching £8,087.50.
The bakery and its owner has agreed to work with the council to clean up its act.
Councillor Andy Hull, Islington Council's executive member for finance, performance and community safety, said: "Our residents and visitors expect and deserve good standards from food businesses in Islington.
"We offer businesses help and advice on food hygiene and standards issues and will help businesses address issues. However when serious problems are found and standards are not met, as in this case, we will take action."
Islington businesses who want help and support over food hygiene or food standards issues should contact the Commercial Environmental Health Team on 0207 527 3816.
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