Food company fined over undeclared peanut allergen

A food company has been ordered to pay more than £65,000 after failing to list peanuts in a mixed spice product.

Openshaw Superstore Limited had packed and marketed the Suya Peppers Mix, which Hull City Council's trading standards' officers bought from a Hull shop in December 2023.

Tests showed there was a "significant" amount of peanut in the spice mix, despite no allergen information being listed on the label, putting customers at risk of serious allergic reactions, the authority said.

The firm was fined at Beverley Magistrates' Court on 16 June after it admitted to placing an unsafe product on the market by not indicating the presence of peanut.

The company also admitted to placing a product on the market with a labelling that would mislead customers by failing to indicate the product contained peanut.

For both charges, the court found it had failed to comply with the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

It was ordered to pay £45,000 with additional costs of £20,737, which included a court surcharge.

Experts concluded that less than a teaspoon (2.5g) of the product could trigger an allergic reaction in someone with a peanut allergy, the authority said.

Councillor Ted Dolman, whose portfolio includes trading standards, said: "For those with an allergy to peanuts, anaphylaxis (meaning an allergic reaction) can be fatal. Failing to label allergens is extremely serious, and dangerous."

He praised the team for the "successful" prosecution and removing the products from sale, adding: "The size of the fine imposed reflects the seriousness of this offence."

He said the case highlighted the importance of clear allergen labelling to protect vulnerable consumers.

"The rules regarding allergen labelling are very clear, and there is no excuse for a company being unaware, and putting customers at risk."

Dolman said the local shop where the products had been sold was not at fault, with the responsibility of correct and accurate labelling resting on "the companies responsible for packaging and supplying them".

The council urged the public to report concerns about product safety and other trading standards issues, including food hygiene and counterfeit goods.

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