Food Producer Prosecuted for Omitting Allergen from Product Label

September 17, 2019

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council successfully prosecuted the Meatlocker Ltd, Ballykelly for failing to detail on the label of its Spring Onion Burgers the presence of a milk allergen.

This action was necessary after a nine year old child suffered an anaphylactic reaction after a cross contamination incident at a barbecue in June 2018.

People with food allergies have to take great care when eating to avoid certain foods that could cause them harm. Businesses have a legal obligation to ensure any food they produce or prepare is safe.

Meatlocker Ltd pleaded guilty to the two offences which breached Northern Ireland Food Regulations today in Lisburn Courthouse.  It failed to provide information on an allergenic ingredient, namely milk on the Spring Onion Burger label; and admitted to putting burgers that were deemed unsafe and considered injurious to health to a specific category of consumers on the market.

It was fined £1,500 for each offence and the council was awarded costs of over £3,000.

The council’s Environmental Health Service investigates all allergy complaints it receives in relation to foodstuffs.  To report a concern please contact us on 028 9250 9395 or email: ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk