Food outlets breaking GM laws

Trading Standards officers observed that some restaurants are not informing customers about ingredients in oil

RESTAURANTS in West Berkshire have been breaking the law by using oil containing genetically modified ingredients without informing their customers, according to new figures released by Trading Standards.

During recent routine premise inspections of restaurants and takeaways in West Berkshire and Wokingham trading standards officers observed that 20 of the 43 premises checked were not informing their customers that they were using oil containing genetically modified soya.

Of the 40 establishments inspected, 29 were from West Berkshire and 15 of those failed the inspection.

West Berkshire Council has refused to name the restaurants which failed the inspections.

Trading Standards said that many business did not realise that they were using oil that contained genetically modified ingredients, nor that it was a legal requirement to inform customers that they were doing so.

The maximum penalty for breaching this regulation is £5000.

Trading Standards Manager at West Berkshire Council Sean Murphy said: “The law requires that consumers are notified where GM ingredients are used. These rules allow for informed choice. It is of concern that not one premise using GM Oil had notified there customers of this fact. We will continue to work with caterers to ensure food is appropriately described as part of our inspections of premises”.

A spokeswoman for West Berkshire Council, Peta Stoddart-Crompton, said: “We have not named and shamed as the premises were unaware that they were either using GM oil or had to label it. “However, we may name and shame or take further action if the premises are found to be still using GM oil.

“The inspections are done on a risk assessed basis and are audit based visits looking at specific issues such as the GM oil.”

Anyone who has concerns about the descriptions or composition of food should contact the Trading Standards Service on 01635 519930 or e-mail at tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk