Salmonella threat from ‘dirty’ van spice mixing

The spice was used in sandwiches that were supplied to various companies, including Lytham Foods – maker of Taylors of Lytham Chicken Tikka sandwiches. Lytham subsequently recalled the sandwiches in February, after Food Standards Agency testing found the food poisoning bug in the spice.

After salmonella was also found in products from a company in Preston, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire, launched an investigation into Catermix.

Mixed in the back of a dirty van​

The investigation found the spice was being mixed in the back of a dirty van that had an old carpet on the floor, the council claimed. It also said the spices were being stored in a “dirty and damp”​ garage. The council took photographic evidence of the mixing conditions.

Catermix – which was not registered as a food business with the council – has since ceased trading. The business pleaded guilty to six charges (see box) and was fined £4,000 yesterday (October 8). It was also ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge, raising the firm’s total bill to £4,979.

Catermix director Chhagan Patel admitted to buying the spices from one company, mixing them in the back of the van, and then selling the finished product on to another company for further processing and packaging, the council said. Patel said it was a temporary measure after his previous contracted manufacturer had closed in May 2015.

Did not formally record any checks​

The director claimed he monitored the mixing processes being carried out in the van, but did not formally record any checks – including microbiological checks.

Charnwood borough councillor David Hayes said after the court case: “The law is there to protect people and when it is not being followed it is our duty to prosecute. Salmonella is incredibly dangerous and this could have had a devastating impact on people.​

“I hope this sends out a strong message to companies that they need to take food safety seriously. Failing to do so could land businesses in court, with a fine and a reputation to rebuild. Why take the risk?”​

FoodManufacture.co.uk has approached Catermix for a response.