By Salma El-Sakka
A husband and wife who ran a Hampshire bakery have been barred from the food trade after a court heard of severe hygiene failings, including dead ants found in fondant.
Court Sentencing
Nicholas and Rosslyn Green, owners of Phoenix Bakery in Gosport, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of failing to comply with food hygiene laws between January and August 2025. At Portsmouth Crown Court, Judge Daniel Sawyer described photographs taken by environmental health officers as “stomach-turning.”
Hygiene Failings Detailed
Inspectors found freezers thick with dirt, dead flies in a microwave, and bacon sitting in a yellow substance that staff claimed was orange juice. Cooked and uncooked meats were stored together, multiple items were frozen into a single block, and a box of margarine bore finger marks. Rotting lettuce was discovered in a fridge; Mr Green told officers it was acceptable to use the inner leaves after removing the outer layers.
Zero Hygiene Rating and Closure
The bakery received a zero food hygiene score in July 2026 and was shut down. Critical failures were recorded in food handling, facility cleanliness, and safety management.
New Business at Same Premises
A new venture, Alby And Alfie Café And Bakery, now operates from the same address. Mr Green is listed as its sole director on Companies House, and the premises currently holds a food hygiene rating of two.
Sentences and Prohibition Orders
Judge Sawyer said hygiene levels had been “somewhere between woeful and non-existent” and noted the lack of reported customer illness was “surprising.” Mr Green was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and pay £5,000 in costs. Mrs Green, described as having a supervisory role, received a conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £2,108 in costs. Both were made subject to a Hygiene Prohibition Order, preventing them from owning or operating a food business unless a further court order is granted.
