An Edmonton cake manufacturer and its manager have been ordered to pay a combined £10,698.96 in fines, prosecution costs and victim surcharges following a prosecution by Enfield Council.
Sugarbake (London) Limited, based in Nobel Road, admitted six food hygiene offences after environmental health officers uncovered serious failings during an inspection on 29 September 2025.
According to the council, mouse droppings were found throughout the premises, including the food production area, food storage area and staff kitchen. Inspectors also discovered droppings on shelving and floors, open bags of food and ingredients stored in dirty containers, creating a risk of contamination.
Other findings included poorly maintained food chillers, dirty and rusty sink taps, food spillages on floors, mould, damp, condensation on the ceiling and structural damage.
The council said the company had breached requirements relating to cleanliness, pest control, maintenance and the cleanliness of utensils and equipment.
The business voluntarily closed immediately on 29 September 2025 after accepting officers’ advice that conditions presented an imminent risk to public health.
Sugarbake and its manager, Ismail Colak, pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 6 August 2026.
Sugarbake was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay a £300 victim surcharge and £2,674.48 in prosecution costs, bringing its total to £6,974.48.
Colak was fined £750 and ordered to pay a £300 victim surcharge and £2,674.48 in prosecution costs, bringing his total to £3,724.48.
Councillor Elisa Morreale, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for licensing, said: “Maintaining hygiene practices in premises where food is handled and prepared is not optional.
“The seriousness of this case is highlighted by the fine imposed by a judge in court who described the condition of the premises as appalling.
“The failings uncovered by our officers were way below expected standards, and food handling practices demonstrated an unacceptable risk.
“The Council will always take firm enforcement action when protecting public health.”
The offences were contrary to Regulation 19(1) and (2) of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
Source: Enfield Council.
Picture caption: Three cooling racks holding uncovered baked pies were found in the front storage area, exposing the food to contamination risks from pest activity.