Warning to takeaway and pub bosses after allergens found in products

Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards department took 50 samples for analysis from 41 food businesses of either whole meals or a specific food item.

In all cases officers either requested, or the company claimed the food items were free from a specific allergen.

The businesses was informed that the sample was for analysis and that they would receive a copy of the analyst’s report and a follow up visit if there were any problems with the sample.

Of the samples taken, 23 were analysed for the presence of gluten, 22 for peanuts, four for dairy and three for egg. Some items made more than one claim so were tested against each individual claim.

Most worrying was the failure of seven out of 22 takeaway meals in response to the request for them to provide a peanut-free meal.

Follow up sampling or advice was provided, including advising businesses that where the source of cross contamination cannot be established, they must inform the customer with an allergen that they are unable to guarantee an allergen free meal.

The 23 samples of foods that claimed to be gluten-free consisted of bakery products, pub and takeaway meals and butcher's sausages. Three samples described as ‘gluten-free’ were found to contain gluten on analysis - a pizza, a cake and a sausage.

One sample of sticky toffee pudding described as ‘vegan and dairy free’ was found to contain casein, a milk protein. The ingredient was changed and a follow up sample was found to be satisfactory.

Cumbria Trading Standards prosecuted Shengs in Barrow in November after it served a meal containing undeclared peanut powder and paste.

Cllr Celia Tibble, the cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “It is vitally important that food outlets understand food allergies and the importance of preventing any cross-contamination occurring in their kitchens. Even a tiny amount of the allergen contained within food can have devastating consequences.”