Global Food Safety Crackdown: UK Fines, Recalls and International Enforcement Actions

Food safety authorities across the UK, India and Pakistan have intensified enforcement in recent days, issuing heavy fines, suspending licences and seizing large quantities of unsafe products. The actions highlight growing regulatory pressure on food businesses to comply with hygiene and labelling laws — with significant consequences for those that fail.

Preston Restaurant Fined £10,900 for Misleading Allergen Claims

Lancaster Magistrates' Court imposed a fine of nearly £11,000 on a Preston-based restaurant after it sold burgers labelled as dairy-free that contained milk protein. Coconut (NW) Ltd, which operates Coco's Soul Food, was fined £10,900, while director Ebrahim Paruk was ordered to pay £650.

The penalties relate to two separate incidents in November 2023 and February 2024. For customers with dairy allergies, the mislabelling posed a serious health risk. Under UK food law, businesses must accurately declare allergens — and failure to do so can result in prosecution.

Hygiene Failures Across England: From Pest Infestations to Electrocution Risks

In Redcar, North Yorkshire, the Seaside Tandoori received a one-star hygiene rating after an inspection on July 11, 2026. Inspectors found a microwave placed on a draining board, creating a high risk of electrocution, alongside dirty floors, ovens and refrigerators. The same cloths were being used for raw and ready-to-eat foods, and structural defects — including holes in walls and ceilings — were also noted.

On the Wirral, 12 businesses held zero-star food hygiene ratings as of July 2026. At Wallasey Market, a mouse infestation forced a three-month closure. Maggot casings were discovered at Dino's Pizzeria, while other establishments were found to be storing rancid chicken and mouldy vegetables. In Swindon, Peking City remains under pressure to improve after receiving a zero-star rating earlier this year, with inspectors citing failures in building cleanliness and food handling.

Major Retailers Issue Urgent Recalls Over Listeria and Labelling Errors

Several high-profile retailers have initiated product recalls in July 2026 due to safety concerns. Marks & Spencer recalled its Truffle Gouda (150g) with a use-by date of October 9, 2026, after detecting Listeria monocytogenes. Lidl and Tesco also withdrew specific ham products — including Brady Family Crumb Irish Ham and Deluxe Honey Roast variants — over similar Listeria risks.

Labelling errors have prompted further recalls. Capri Sun UK recalled multipacks of its Orange drink (batch codes L104, L105 and L106) after some pouches were incorrectly labelled as zero sugar despite containing full sugar. Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo was recalled for containing undeclared wheat and gluten.

In non-food safety developments reported by the same authorities, Primark recalled pepper mills found to contain lead, and John Lewis issued warnings about doorstops and draught excluders that may contain asbestos.

India: Swiggy Instamart Hit with Nine Notices Over Expired Goods

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart on July 11, 2026. The action followed consumer complaints about deliveries of expired or spoiled items, including rotten eggs, expired whey protein and spoiled infant formula that was allegedly redelivered to customers after being returned.

Regional branches of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra have also been active. On July 11, licences for four hotels and a bakery in Vasai were suspended after surprise inspections uncovered uncooled raw food, expired ingredients and a lack of safety equipment. In Pune, a cafe on Salunkhe Vihar Road had its licence suspended on July 10 after inspectors found expired milk products and general hygiene lapses. In Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, officials confiscated expired beverages from local restaurants and initiated proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Pakistan: 71,000kg of Expired Food Seized in Lahore Operation

In Pakistan, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) executed a major operation in Lahore on July 11, 2026. Enforcement teams sealed three production units and a warehouse, disposing of 71,251 kilograms of expired food. Investigators found that expired products were being relabelled with new dates using a confiscated printing machine. The PFA also noted poor hygiene, insect infestations and a lack of mandatory medical examinations for workers at the sites.

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