16 places fail 'allergen checks' when items tested by Trading Standards
Staff were told the customer had an allergy and then the items were later tested for the allergy
Trading standards say 16 food-serving places have failed an allergen test across Devon and Somerset.
They were told the buyer had a particular allergy - which was then later found in the product when it was tested.
The most common allergen found was traces of milk - with 59 places passing the test.
Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for trading standards said: “If you prepare and sell food it is vital that you have thorough food preparation protocols in place and that these are reviewed regularly; the health of your customers and your business depends on it.
"The only way people can manage a food allergy is to avoid the foods that make them ill, so if you are a business that prepares and serves food and you need support or advice on your kitchens procedures please contact us or refer to our dedicated allergens webpage.”
Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service said: “All the businesses sampled were either new or businesses that had previously had a low Food Standards Agency rating – so that 79 per cent of these businesses passed a spot inspection is encouraging.
“However, we need all businesses to understand the importance of ensuring that robust food preparation processes are in place.
“We are supporting businesses to ensure they follow the legal requirements and that they are safe for those with allergies.
"There are 14 allergens which can cause serious health problems: gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites (above 10mg/kg or 10mg/litre); lupin; and molluscs.
"By law food outlets must provide allergen information to customers, handle and manage food allergens effectively when food is being prepared and ensure that staff receive training."