Food outlets such as cafes, sandwich shops and mobile caterers are being reminded of the importance of regularly reviewing their food preparation protocols to ensure that allergens don’t contaminate the products they serve.
And if businesses are unsure they are encouraged to contact trading standards for advice and guidance.
Officers from Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service carried out a mystery shopper of 75 businesses across Devon and Somerset.
The businesses were independent, a mix of garden centres, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants.
At each business an officer specified their allergy and asked for a product which did not contain that allergen.
Each product was then tested at a lab – most businesses, 59, passed: however, 16 did not and allergens were found, with traces of milk being the most common.
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.
Thirteen of the caterers that failed then had an immediate inspection due to poor food management systems, while 15 more needed a follow-up inspection.
Councillor Simon Clist, our 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.
“We will continue to check and advise businesses and if businesses do not follow or ignore our advice, where necessary, we will take legal action.”
For more information go to Allergens in food – Trading Standards Service
Businesses can also contact trading standards us for further advice/guidance via email tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or via our form Register for business advice – Trading Standards Service