A takeaway owner was fined almost £1,000 after breaching food allergen regulations.
Knowsley Council received a complaint about Sopranos Pizza on Glovers Brow in Kirkby in January 2023 after a member of the public asked for a dairy free garlic bread due to allergies. When the food was delivered the garlic bread was topped with cheese.
According to the council, the takeaway didn’t ask for further details about the customer’s allergen requirements, which led to Trading Standards conducting a test purchase to check legal compliance with food allergen regulations on February 22, 2023.
READ MORE: Brianna Ghey live court updates as murder trial continues
READ MORE: Dramatic moment car crashes into Boots as shoppers dive out the way
An order was placed by phone for a doner kebab without soya, however, food tests found the presence of soya in the food. Samuel Tayar, who was managing director of Jasmine NW Ltd which owned Sopranos Pizza at the time of the incident, was taken to court by the council following an investigation.
He's now been fined £480 and ordered to pay prosecution costs, with a total financial penalty of £922, after breaching food allergen regulations. The takeaway is now under new management.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “This case demonstrates the serious responsibility owners of food premises have when it comes to food safety. For people with a food allergy, even a very small amount of an ingredient they are allergic to can have very serious – and potentially fatal – consequences.
“All food businesses have a legal duty to provide customers with clear and accurate, allergy information about the food they serve and must ensure staff are properly trained and have rigorous procedures in place.”
She added: "If anyone is concerned about a business not providing food allergen information, or if you are a business requiring advice in relation to food allergens, please contact Trading Standards.”
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Win a £250 Buyagift voucher and make treasured memories this Christmas