Mackerel Stored in Bath by Food Business Owner

Stephen Akuoko, 62, who ran a ready meal business called Tribal Foods from his flat in Watford, Hertfordshire, stored mackerel in appalling conditions. Environmental health officers investigated concerns about his products, which had inappropriately long use-by dates and lacked ingredient details. The business was difficult to trace until a fire broke out at Akuoko's flat in October 2024.

Firefighters responding to the wok fire discovered large quantities of fish, including in the bathroom by the toilet and in the bathtub. Akuoko initially claimed the food was for his family, but later pleaded guilty to contravening food safety regulations and failing to comply with a remedial action notice. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year ban from operating any food business at St Albans Crown Court on April 2.

Judge Francis Sheridan condemned Akuoko's "frankly disgusting techniques," warning that selling food prepared in such conditions was unfit for human consumption and could have led to manslaughter charges if it caused death. Watford Borough Council reiterated its commitment to prosecuting businesses that put public health at risk.