A KEBAB shop in Abergavenny has been hit with fines exceeding £10,000 after a foodborne illness outbreak hospitalised 11 people and affected over 50 customers.
Marmaris Kebab House, run by Sami Abdullah, 46, and Hassan Saritag, 38, was linked to the illness of more than 50 customers. Inspectors identified improper practices, including the failure to separate washed and unwashed vegetables during coleslaw preparation, an oversight linked to the outbreak of E. coli.
Both Abdullah, from Cwmbran, and Saritag were previously regarded as exemplary operators within the food industry. Defence lawyers described the incident as an “isolated breach,” insisting the pair had spotless records before this episode.
Appearing at Newport Magistrates’ Court, the duo admitted to charges of food hygiene violations and selling unsafe food in February 2023. The court heard that one victim, an 11-year-old child, has been left with lasting complications, including diabetes, as a result of the illness.
In a statement delivered through his solicitor, Scott Tuppen, Abdullah expressed deep remorse, “Mr Abdullah offers his deepest apologies to those affected and in particular those who suffered permanently.”
Abdullah was fined £2,000, while Saritag was ordered to pay £3,065. Both were also handed costs of £2,792
