Trafford Council Takes Action on United Cafe’s Hygiene Failures

Trafford’s Environmental Health investigated a popular cafe (United Cafe) used by Manchester United fans after they found a rat infestation.

The environmental officers found potatoes that had been gnawed by rats and even in food preparation and storage areas. Even worse, an undercover officer was served a burger containing gluten even though the person declared an allergy.

In August 2024, officers visited the cafe located at the corner of Sir Matt Busby Way and found they had not made precise daily checks for rats, as required under ‘Analysis Critical Control Point procedures’, recording the site as pest-free though an infestation was existing.

The cafe closed voluntarily for 8 days to solve the issues, but when undercover officers visited again in November, on a sampling visit to check compliance with allergen legislation, they were served a burger containing gluten, though they had declared a gluten allergy.

Mr. Stokes, 56, of Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, and Café United Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of food safety legislation. Café United Ltd was fined £8,000 with costs of £1,000 awarded, and Mr. Stokes was fined £1,048.

Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said:

“Visitors and residents in Trafford have the right to expect good standards of hygiene, and reliable advice on ingredients, from any food outlet that trades in our borough. 

“This prosecution shows that we will not hesitate to take action where standards fall short of what is acceptable. Thanks to our environmental health team for pursuing this case and bringing this business and its director to court. It is a clear warning that substantial fines can be issued to businesses that risk putting people’s health at risk.”