HEART of the South West Trading Standards Service recently carried out a mystery shopper of 75 businesses across Devon.

The businesses were independent, a mix of garden centres, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants.

At each business an officer specified their allergy and asked for a product which did not contain that allergen.

Businesses in Somerset were also tested.

Each product was then tested at a lab – most businesses, 59, passed: however, 16 did not and allergens were found, with traces of milk being the most common.

There are 14 allergens which can cause serious health problems: gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites (above 10mg/kg or 10mg/litre); lupin; and molluscs.

By law food outlets must provide allergen information to customers, handle and manage food allergens effectively when food is being prepared and ensure that staff receive training.

Thirteen of the caterers that failed then had an immediate inspection due to poor food management systems, while 15 more needed a follow-up inspection.

Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards said: ‘If you prepare and sell food it is vital that you have thorough food preparation protocols in place and that these are reviewed regularly; the health of your customers and your business depends on it.

‘The only way people can manage a food allergy is to avoid the foods that make them ill, so if you are a business that prepares and serves food and you need support or advice on your kitchens procedures please contact us or refer to our dedicated allergens webpage’.

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service said: ‘We will continue to check and advise businesses and if businesses do not follow or ignore our advice, where necessary, we will take legal action’.