Failure to list ‘potentially dangerous’ peanut content costs firm more than £65,000

DOESN’T MENTION PEANUT: The spice mix bought by trading standards officers. Picture credit: Hull City Council

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A company which failed to list a potentially dangerous amount of peanut on a bag of mixed spice has been ordered to pay more than £65,000.

The case against Openshaw Superstore Limited, which had packed and marketed the spice, was brought by officers from Hull City Council’s trading standards team and the legal services department.

Officers purchased and tested the product – labelled “Suya Peppers Mix” – from a shop in Hull in December 2023. Their analysis discovered a “significant” amount of peanut, which was not listed on the product’s label. The label merely stated that the ingredients were “Suya Peppers Mix”.

Expert examination determined that less than a teaspoon of the spice mix (2.5 grammes) would be enough to cause an allergic reaction in someone with a peanut allergy.

The company of Ashton Old Road, Manchester, had initially denied any wrongdoing but pleaded guilty to two offences of breaching food safety and hygiene regulations when the case was listed for trial at Beverley Magistrates’ Court on June 16 this year.

It was fined £45,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,737 and a £2,000 court surcharge.

HEARING: Beverley Magistrates’ Court

The shop where the product was purchased was not implicated in the case.

Councillor Ted Dolman, whose city council portfolio at includes Trading Standards, said: “For those with an allergy to peanuts, anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) can be fatal. Failing to label allergens is extremely serious, and dangerous.

“This was great work by our trading standards team, who got these products removed from sale, and then successfully prosecuted the company responsible. The size of the fine imposed reflects the seriousness of this offence.”

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

“It’s important to be clear that while the product was bought at a Hull shop the vendor was not at fault. The responsibility to correctly label food products lies with the companies responsible for packaging and supplying them.”

Anyone with concerns about product safety or other trading standards issues, including scams, food hygiene, illicit tobacco, fake goods and more, can call Citizen’s Advice on 808 223 1133 who will then liaise with local teams.