Watford, United Kingdom – A Ghanaian man, Stephen Akuoko, has been convicted in the United Kingdom after operating an illegal fish processing business from a residential flat in Watford, in a case that underscores the strict enforcement of food safety regulations in Britain.

Akuoko, who lived at 21 Lincoln Green Court, Haines Way, pleaded guilty to two food safety offences at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on February 11, 2026.

He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on April 2, 2026. The court heard that he had been processing and supplying cooked and smoked fish products from his home — which is owned by Watford Community Housing — without the necessary approvals, hygiene standards, or registration required for food businesses.

The investigation was triggered after cooked and smoked fish products traced back to Akuoko were found on sale in Watford town centre.

Despite being served a formal notice to immediately stop production, he continued the illegal operation. Environmental Health officers, aided by a tip-off from the Fire Service, eventually confirmed the activity was taking place inside his flat.

The judge described the evidence against him as overwhelming and imposed two consecutive 12-month custodial sentences, suspended for two years. Akuoko was also handed a five-year prohibition order banning him from working in the food industry and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs to the council.

Justine Hoy, Associate Director of Housing and Wellbeing at Watford Borough Council, said food safety laws exist to protect the public. She noted that there was a clear and sustained failure to comply with legal requirements despite formal enforcement action. The council emphasised that fish and seafood production is tightly regulated due to higher risks of contamination, which can lead to serious illnesses such as Salmonella, Listeria, or norovirus.

Watford Borough Council has said the successful prosecution demonstrates the council’s commitment to maintaining high food safety standards and protecting residents and visitors from potential health risks.

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Thursday, April 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.