Former director prosecuted after peanut traces found in 'peanut-free' dish

Reza Ul-Islam, the former director of B68 Indian Cuisine and Takeway on Hagley Road West, Oldbury was prosecuted after a ‘peanut free’ lamb korma and rice dish was found to contain enough traces of nuts to trigger an anaphylactic reaction that could have resulted in death.

The situation was discovered when Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards team visited the premises in December 2017. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that takeaway and restaurants in the borough were compliant with the rules on food allergens and food labelling.  

The dish in question, which was advertised as ‘peanut-free’, contained more than 40g per kg of peanuts. It is unclear how the meal had become contaminated to this extent as Reza Ul-Islam failed to co-operate with Trading Standards’ investigation.

The former director pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and was given a 12 month community order.

Reza Ul-Islam was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay prosecution costs of £1,995.00 plus a victim surcharge of £85.

If you or your business are faced with an investigation or prosecution for breaching food safety, food hygiene, or trading standards legislation you should call our specialist Regulatory Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400 for advice and assistance.