A Lancaster business has been ordered to pay more than £23,000 after a man suffered a severe allergic reaction at a wedding.
Casterton Leisure Limited, the operator of Hipping Hall, Cowan Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, pleaded guilty to one offence under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 following an investigation by Lancaster City Council’s Environmental Health Department.
The company were ordered to pay £23,261.41 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to a breach of food hygiene regulations at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court last week (Wednesday, September 20).
In December 2021, officers received a complaint from a wedding party that the best man had suffered a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after eating a canapé at the event that contained nuts. This was despite the hotel being informed that two guests were allergic to nuts and another was allergic to peanuts.
During last week’s sentencing, District Judge McGarva commented that this should have been one of the best days of the family’s life and there was a wholesale failure by the company. The defendant fell far below expectations and the family did everything they could and there was a realistic risk of death.
Casterton Leisure Limited were fined £16,000 plus victim surcharge of £190 and ordered to pay costs of £7,071.41.
Councillor Joanne Ainscough, cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Health and Enforcement, said: “All businesses have a fundamental duty to their customers to ensure that the food they provide is safe to eat. This includes catering for those with allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease.
“Whilst our Environmental Health Officers are committed to working with food businesses to help them comply with the statutory duties placed upon them, the council will not hesitate to take enforcement action when food safety and hygiene breaches occur and may result in severe illness or death.”
Hipping Hall ceased operating in July this year.
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
More gridlocks in Heysham as roundabout resurfacing works 'over-run'
