The owner of a Wallsend restaurant has been fined after selling a meal containing traces of peanuts, despite a request for it to be peanut-free.
Majeda Miah, who operated Prince of Spice at Hadrian Park Shopping Centre, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to an offence under the Food Safety Act.
The case began in March 2023, when North Tyneside Council’s Environmental Health team conducted a test purchase at the restaurant. Officers ordered a peanut-free chicken tikka masala, but a sample was found to contain enough peanut protein to trigger an allergic reaction.
Further investigations by the council uncovered multiple food safety lapses at the restaurant, including inadequate allergen controls and insufficient staff training on allergen management.
The court imposed a 12-month Conditional Discharge on Ms Miah, along with £200 in costs and a £26 court surcharge, amounting to a total of £226 to be paid within 28 days.
The Prince of Spice has since closed.
A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “This case underscores the critical need for food businesses to manage allergens effectively to protect public health and prevent life-threatening allergic reactions.
“We remain committed to routine inspections and strict enforcement of food safety standards across the borough.”