Information on Loughborough

trading standards test vodka

Posted on 10/07/2007
P. Klein

mugal-e-shahi indian restaurantTrading Standards have taken action against a Loughborough restaurant owner for substituting cheaper vodka for a branded one. Loughborough Magistrates heard the case in Loughborough on the 2nd July 2007.

Magistrates heard that Trading Standards officers visited the Mugal-E-Shahi at 40A The Rushes in Loughborough on the 24th July 2006 during which a screening test suggested that the Smirnoff vodka on was not as described.  A formal sample was obtained for full testing by the Public Analyst who confirmed that the spirit drink was not Smirnoff.

Mr Mohammed Tayaib Chowdhury, the owner of the Mugal-E-Shahi contested the case.  However, Magistrates found that he was liable for the actions of his staff and found him guilty of an offence under section 15 of the Food Safety Act 1990.  Mr Chowdhury was fined £500 and ordered to pay a further £500 towards the costs of the prosecution.

For the third year running, Leicestershire Trading Standards Service has been recognised by the International Federation of Spirit Producers for its work in combating the substitution of premium branded spirits with cheaper products.

David Bull, Head of Trading Standards received the award at the recent Trading Standards Institute Annual Conference held in Manchester.