Takeaway fined over mislabelled meat and nut dishes

16-Jan-2017 - Last updated on 16-Jan-2017 at 08:24 GMT

Peanuts were substituted for almonds and mutton for lamb. Picture: ©iStock

A UK takeaway owner has been fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £200 in costs after admitting selling dishes labelled as containing lamb and almonds which were actually mutton and peanuts.

Azmal Khan, owner of the ‘Last Days of the Raj’ on Durham Road, Gateshead, was found guilty at Gateshead Magistrates Court following an inspection in June last year.

It found the takeaway was using ground peanuts instead of ground almonds and mutton in place of lamb. Invoices also confirmed that peanuts and mutton was routinely purchased.

The kitchen was also found to be in a poor state of cleanliness and the business closed while a deep clean and maintenance was performed.

Khan pleaded guilty to the two charges and said they had occurred due to a series of mistakes.

Anneliese Hutchinson, from Gateshead Council, said the Foods Standards Agency asked authorities across the country to look into such issues.

“When you buy any product, you have the right to expect to receive what you think you’ve bought.

“Adulteration of food is a serious offence and in this case, substituting peanuts for almonds could have had serious consequences for anyone who had a peanut allergy and who consumed this food.

“We continue to monitor the business and note that it is now complying with the law.”