The company, alongside its director, was penalised for breaching import regulations and obstructing authorised compliance officers during an investigation.
A Southall-based food importer and distributor, Al Noor Ltd, has been fined for failing to conduct essential safety checks on potentially toxic food products brought into the UK. The company, alongside its director, was penalised for breaching import regulations and obstructing authorised compliance officers during an investigation.
The case was heard at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 3 January, where Al Noor Ltd admitted to the unauthorised removal of goods and non-compliance with official notices. The court ordered the company to pay £9,424 in fines, victim surcharges, and costs. The director, Ahmed Akhlaq, of Parlaunt Road, Slough, was fined £3,285 for his role in the violations.
High-Risk Shipment Ignored Regulations
The controversy began in May 2022 when Al Noor Ltd imported spice mixes from Pakistan, a product category classified as high-risk due to potential contamination with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are toxic carcinogens linked to liver cancer and other severe health issues. Under UK law, shipments of such high-risk food products must undergo mandatory sampling at designated ports to ensure they meet safety standards. Importers are required to notify port authorities of incoming shipments for proper checks. However, Al Noor Ltd failed to declare the shipment to Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, bypassing critical safety protocols.
The controversy began in May 2022 when Al Noor Ltd imported spice mixes from Pakistan, a product category classified as high-risk due to potential contamination with aflatoxins
By removing the goods from the port without clearance, the shipment was deemed an illegally imported consignment, which should have been destroyed.
Obstruction and Misleading Practices
In July 2022, Ealing Council’s food safety team was alerted to the situation and ordered the company to destroy the products within 60 days. A compliance check during this period revealed that more than half of the shipment was unaccounted for. When pressed to account for the missing products, Al Noor Ltd was given 24 hours to locate and present the entire shipment. Instead of cooperating, the company repacked and relabelled boxes in an apparent attempt to disguise the contents.
Although the products were ultimately destroyed, this occurred eight days after the council’s 60-day deadline had passed.
“The consequences for the business’ customers in this case could have been grave if council officers had not stepped in to enforce the law.”
-Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing cabinet member
Authorities Respond
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, emphasised the seriousness of the violations. “Obstructing food safety officers is a grave offence that puts public health at risk. The consequences could have been dire had our officers not stepped in. We are pleased that the court recognised the severity of the case, and we will always pursue strong penalties for businesses that endanger public safety.”
Laurence Jarrold, a technical specialist with Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, praised the collaboration between agencies. “The products were not declared at the UK Border as required and therefore bypassed essential import controls. Without the intervention of Ealing Council, these high-risk products could have been sold, posing significant health risks to consumers. This case highlights the importance of joint efforts to safeguard public health, which remains our top priority.”
Public Health Safeguarded
The successful prosecution underscores the critical importance of compliance with food safety regulations. It serves as a warning to other businesses that disregard the law and prioritise profits over public safety. With agencies like Ealing Council and Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority working in unison, the risk of harmful products reaching the market is minimised, ensuring the safety of consumers across the UK.
