A CHIP shop owner was convicted of selling “soya-free sausage and chips” which contained soya.

Sercan Vural sold the meal to an undercover West Sussex Trading Standards officer posing as a customer with a soya allergy.

When the sausage and chips were sent for analysis they were found to contain soya.

Vural pleaded guilty at Horsham Magistrates Court on February 14.

Vural, of Lennox Street, Bognor, had been warned about poor allergen control at his premises by officers in the past.

But he could give no evidence his staff had received allergen training.

Trading Standards manager Peter Aston said someone with a severe food allergy could have died if they were sold the meal.

“The consequences of poor allergen control can be deadly,” he said.

“Even though no one was harmed on this occasion, someone with a severe food allergy could potentially have died.”

Vural was fined £800 and made to pay £1,500 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

West Sussex County Council environment chief Deborah Urquhart urged other businesses to put proper allergen controls in place.

“The dangers of poor allergen management should not be underestimated,” she said.

“I urge other food businesses to make sure they have proper allergen controls in place.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of unfair trading, should call 03454 040506.