Indian Takeaway Fined For Sheep Meat Instead of Ostrich Curry

An Indian takeaway recently received a fine after their “ostrich” curry was found to contain sheep meat. Trading standards officers are issuing a warning, emphasizing that restaurants should not mislead customers by substituting cheaper meats for those advertised.

Abdul Malik Ali admitted to violating food safety regulations and appeared in York Magistrates’ Court. Ali and his company are required to pay over £1,500 as a result of the incident, which occurred while Ali operated Jaipur Spice.

In 2023, trading standards officers visited the Busby Stoop Inn and ordered a dish advertised as ostrich. Food regulations mandate that food must align with consumer expectations, with accurate labels and presentation. However, testing revealed that the dish contained sheep meat instead of ostrich.

Ali attributed the incident to a chef’s error, claiming the chef mistakenly grabbed the wrong meat during cooking.

According to a council member, consumers should not be subjected to food fraud, and producers will not be allowed to deceive customers. They stated that action will be taken against those who break the law, emphasizing that customers should receive ostrich if they pay for it.

At the hearing, Ali was fined £237 and ordered to pay £400 in costs, along with a £95 surcharge. Amalik Cafe Ltd was fined £120 and required to pay £672 in costs, plus a £48 surcharge.