Restaurant fined after serving gluten-free customer garlic bread

An Italian restaurant in Greater Manchester has been fined after a customer was sold garlic bread that contained gluten despite being advertised as gluten free.

The gluten intolerant customer was sick and suffered abdominal and chest pains after eating the food bought from Mazzo in Royton, Greater Manchester, in May this year.

Tameside Magistrates' Court was told that the customer had specifically asked for a gluten free portion.

Tony's Italian Limited, trading as Mazzo, pleaded guilty to two charges of selling food that was injurious to health and contained gluten, and fined £500 on each count.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of £1,250 plus a £50 victim surcharge.

Councillor Arooj Shah, deputy leader of Oldham Council and cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "Our investigation established this incident was caused by human error but procedures must be in place to ensure there is no room for mistakes to happen.

"Allergic reactions can make people very ill. Companies specifically advertising gluten free alternatives must ensure the food they provide is safe for customers with an intolerance, or face action."

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