Oldham take-away meal could have 'lead to death'

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Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted the former business operator of an Indian takeaway which sold a potentially harmful meal.

On April 18, 2017, an Environmental Health Officer carried out a test purchase at Sapphire Exquisite Indian Cuisine, Hollins Road, Oldham.

They ordered what should have been a peanut free vegetable bhindi.

However, following formal analysis the food was found to contain more than 20mg/kg of peanut protein – meaning the food could have posed a serious health risk to someone with a peanut allergy 

On Wednesday, April 18 at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, Syed Burhan Ahmed (34) of Eton Avenue, Oldham, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Food Safety Act 1990.

He was fined a total of £1,450.88. 

Councillor Arooj Shah, said, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We will not hesitate to take action when the safety of residents is put at risk.

“Allergic reactions can make people very ill and can unfortunately sometimes lead to death.

"All food businesses must be able to provide the correct allergen information about the ingredients that is in the food they make or serve to their customers.

“Food establishment owners must comply with food hygiene laws or be prepared to face the consequences.”

Accordingly to the Food Standards Authority, it is estimated that 1-2-per-cent of adults and 5-8-per-cent of children in the UK have a food allergy.

This equates to around two million people living with a food allergy, and this figure does not include those with food intolerances.

The Food Information for Consumers Regulations require food businesses to provide accurate allergy information on foods sold unpackaged, in for example catering outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars. 

For those wanting to know more about food allergens the FSA has a free online allergen training tool which may be useful: http://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/ 

Also, further information regarding managing food allergens can be found at: www.food.gov.uk