An Indian takeaway, which had operated in Keady for the best part of 20 years before closing down earlier this year, had received a rare zero for its food hygiene just weeks before closing.
Al-Amin, was based on Market Street in recent years – having first opened on Kinelowen Street – announced they were closing their doors back on October 12. They closed for good 10 days later, on October 22.
It came just over a month – September 5 – after they were inspected by environmental health, who slapped a zero rating on the business; a rarity in the hospitality business.
Council officers declared that the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable enable good food hygiene needed “major improvement”.
Management of food safety whereby systems and checks were in place to ensure that food sold or served was safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future also needed “major improvement”.
The owners of Al-Amin announced their departure on social media but did not mention the recent inspection.
“We here at Al-amin Indian regret to inform all our customers that we will cease trading from 22nd October. We want to thank all the customers who have supported us over the years and its not our wish to close as we intended to stay for many years more but we have been given no choice as we have been asked to move from the premises. Once again thanks to all our customers we will sincerely miss you all!”
Al-amin owner, a who did not want his name used, told Armagh I: “We did not close the takeaway for food hygiene reasons. We were informed by the owner of the building on September 25 that we were to vacate the premises by December 18 as they plan on selling the building.”
