Firm prosecuted after screw found in burger

A food manufacturer in Devon who produced a tofu burger that contained a large metal screw has been prosecuted after a successful case by a local council.

Bath & North East Somerset Council's Health and Safety team carried out investigations into Naturemade Ltd, based in South Molton, after a member of the public found a large metal screw in a tofu burger.

Officers from the council, along with Environmental Health officers, investigated the firm's production facility and discovered very poor standards of hygiene and numerous sources of "similar contaminants".

In court on Tuesday, Vicky Barfield, director of Naturemade Ltd, was ordered to pay £1,500, £250 costs and a £15 victim support surcharge.

Sue Green, health, safety and food manager at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "Traders and manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure that any food they produce is safe for public consumption.

"Bath & North East Somerset Council is working with businesses in the area to give them advice and guidance on how to make sure the food they prepare is safe.

"However, where public safety is put at risk for example through the contamination of food with dangerous foreign objects, the council will take strong action within the law to protect the public and prevent similar incidents from happening again."