An Indian takeaway has been fined £10,000 after supplying a meal contaminated with a high level of peanut protein.
Ahmed Catering Limited was prosecuted by Hartlepool Borough Council following a test purchase carried out by environmental health officers at Chilli ‘n’ Spice in Murray Street, Hartlepool, as part of a wider national study into allergens in food.
A meal suitable for a person with a peanut allergy was requested, but when later analysed it was found to contain enough peanut protein to cause an allergic reaction.
The company admitted selling a chicken tikka masala and pilau rice meal described as free from peanuts which was not of the nature demanded, and it also pleaded guilty to placing food on the market that was unsafe and considered injurious to the health of a susceptible person.
It was fined £5,000 on each count, a surcharge of £2,000 and costs of £1,078.
Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Protecting the health of the public and ensuring food premises are safe is a top priority for the Council.
“We have worked proactively with businesses to provide them with information on food allergens, links to free online training and examples of procedures that they should be following.
“However, this case demonstrates that where businesses fail to accept their responsibilities and break the law we will not hesitate to take action.”
Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction after being exposed to known allergens in food can report it to North East Allergic Reaction at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk and the local authority from where the food was purchased will contact you.
Anyone wanting advice or to discuss issues relating to allergen management can contact the Council by emailing PublicProtection@hartlepool.gov.uk