Coco’s Soul Food in Preston has been fined nearly £12,000 for serving burgers falsely advertised as dairy-free. The restaurant’s director, Ebrahim Paruk, was penalised after two incidents where burgers contained milk, posing serious risks to customers with dairy allergies.
The first breach occurred in November 2023 when an undercover buyer, who had previously informed staff of a milk allergy, was served a burger containing milk protein. Despite receiving a formal warning and guidance on allergen management, the restaurant failed to implement adequate checks.
In October 2024, a follow-up visit revealed the same issue, with Paruk personally assuring customers that the food was dairy-free. The contamination stemmed from a switch to brioche buns, which typically contain milk, without proper allergen assessments.
This case highlights the critical importance of accurate allergen information in the food industry. Councillor Joshua Roberts emphasised that businesses must ensure robust systems are in place to protect customers, as even minor ingredient changes can lead to dangerous consequences for those with food allergies.
Source: GB News
