Indian takeaway fined after sheep meat found in ostrich curry

An Indian takeaway has been fined for using sheep meat in an ostrich curry dish.

Abdul Malik Ali, of Amalik Café Ltd, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was fined £1,500 after pleading guilty to the offence.

He was the food business operator of the Jaipur Spice, located at the Busby Stoop Inn, in the town.

But when trading standards officers visited the place in December 2023, they were shocked to find sheep meat in an ostrich curry dish when tested.

Ali said in his defence that a temporary chef had prepared the wrong meat.

The Food Safety Act says all food should be of the nature, substance and quality demanded by the purchaser, while labelling and presentation must be accurate and not likely to mislead.

Trading Standards has warned other restaurants not to lie to customers and not to use cheaper meat alternatives.

Councillor Greg White said: ‘Consumers should not be subject to this or any kind of food fraud.

‘We will not allow producers to deceive their customers and we will take action against those who break the law.

‘If a person pays for an ostrich dish, then they should be given ostrich and not a cheaper alternative.’

In total, Mr Ali was handed a £237 fine and ordered to pay a further £400 in costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Amalik Cafe Ltd was fined £120 and was ordered to pay £672 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

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