TAKEAWAYS have had the heat turned up on them by Warwickshire Trading Standards.
Officers found a quarter of 40 pizzas bought did not contain the correct ingredients when they tested toppings.
Five pizzas described as containing cheese actually contained ‘analogue cheese’ – a non-diairy fat/oil substitute. One mozzarella pizza also contained only 20 per cent mozzarella, with the remaining cheese being cheddar.
Five pizzas also did not contain the meat products they were described as having. One Hawaiian ham and pineapple pizza contained no ham at all. The ham had been substituted for a product called ‘turkey ham’ – a processed food made primarily from cooked or cured turkey meat and water and formed into the shape of ham.
And some pepperoni pizza toppings were beef or chicken instead of pork.
One takeaway owner was cautioned and several warning letters were also issued.
Coun John Horner, Warwickshire County Council community safety spokesman, said: “Consumers often pay a premium for take-away products and should be able to have confidence that the foods they buy and consume are correctly described.
“Trading Standards Officers have now advised all the businesses where problems were found to ensure they are getting it right.”
People wanting to make a complaint about products can contact Warwickshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Consumer Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
