Indian takeaway ordered to pay £2,808 for serious allergen and food information breaches
An Indian takeaway has been ordered to pay a total of £2,808 after a Ceredigion County Council investigation uncovered significant failures in the business’s allergen information and control measures.
The breaches were identified following food sampling that revealed the presence of undeclared allergens, posing a risk of a severe allergic reaction to a customer.
Mr Ruhul Amin Choudhury, trading as Nehar Indian Takeaway, 10 Bridge Street, Lampeter, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 3 March, where he pleaded guilty to three offences relating to breaches of food information and food safety regulations.
Mr Choudhury was fined £1,290 and ordered to pay a £518 victim surcharge, along with £1,000 in investigation and legal costs awarded to Ceredigion County Council – a total of £2,808.
The Council’s Public Protection team conducted an unannounced test purchase on 23 January 2025, following previous warnings and a formal notice regarding inaccurate allergen information. Despite being informed during the order that a member of the party had a mustard allergy, officers found that the prawn cocktail supplied by the takeaway contained mustard. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of mustard, rendering the food unsafe for consumption.
During the same visit, officers also discovered that the business was using genetically modified (GM) cooking oil without declaring its use to consumers as required by law. This issue had been raised with Mr Choudhury twice before, yet no corrective action had been taken.
The investigation further found that the takeaway menu claimed that “no artificial colours or food additives are used.” However, officers observed a tub of “bright red colour” on site containing artificial colourings including E129 Allura Red, E102 Tartrazine and E122 Carmoisine. Mr Choudhury confirmed that these were used in dishes such as chicken tikka masala and pilau rice. Subsequent laboratory analysis verified the presence of artificial colours in food samples.
During interview, Mr Choudhury offered no defence. He stated he was unaware that the cooking oil was genetically modified, accepted that the menu contained an incorrect claim regarding artificial colours, and said he did not know the prawn cocktail sauce contained mustard. Officers concluded that he had a limited understanding of allergen management, raising serious concerns about food safety practices at the premises.
A notice was issued, requiring Mr Choudhury to stop handling any of the 14 regulated allergens and to take immediate corrective action. He voluntarily closed the premises that evening.
In court, the defence solicitor stated that Mr Choudhury had worked in the industry for many years, had no prior convictions, and was “a stranger to the court”. He added that Mr Choudhury intended to implement proper systems to prevent future issues and that his lack of understanding and need for further support had contributed to the offences.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection said: "This case highlights the importance of good allergen control and accurate food information. Undeclared allergens can have life threatening consequences, and our officers found several worrying failings during this investigation.
Our team worked closely with the business to ensure urgent corrective action was taken, and we will continue to support and enforce where necessary to keep consumers safe.”
06/03/2026