Paul Taylor the proprietor of the Rock Pub and Bed and Breakfast, Tredegar Road, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1DD has been prosecuted for failing to provide allergen information contrary to the Food Information (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The sentencing follows an investigation by Caerphilly Council Trading Standards Service who were alerted to an incident that took place at the Rock Public House in August 22, where Taylor refused to provide allergen information to a milk hypersensitive member of the public who lives with a severe food allergy.
Trading Standards Officers inspected the business and gave Taylor, the Designated Premises Supervisor and Premises License holder of the Rock, comprehensive advice and guidance as well as a formal warning, which he chose to ignore. Taylor, refuted allergen legislation applied to his licensed premises and refused to train his staff and comply with food allergen information legal requirements.
On 28th November 22 trading standards officers visited the Rock Public House to conduct a test purchase. When asked for dairy allergen information Taylor refused to provide it and referred the officers to a disclaimer on his menu which stated ‘We are unable to cater for customers with food allergies’.
Taylor (aged 71) entered a written guilty plea to Cwmbran Magistrates Court and on 14th September 23, in his absence, he was fined £293 and ordered to pay the council’s costs of £1,879.70 and victim surcharge of £117.
Cllr Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Public Protection said:
“Food business operators have a legal obligation to provide clear and accurate allergen information for the foods they serve. It is not a choice, it is fundamental to protect the health, safety and well-being of those living with food allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease.
Providing information regarding the presence of 14 allergens listed in law, can act as a critical lifeline, preventing illness and even saving lives by empowering consumers with food hypersensitivity to make safe and informed choices.
“If anyone is concerned about a business not providing food allergen information, or if you are a business requiring advice in relation to food allergens, please contact Trading Standards.”
