Business Fined for Selling Counterfeit Wonka Bars
Luton Company Faces Penalties for Counterfeit Products and Poor Hygiene Standards
A business in Luton has been fined for distributing counterfeit Wonka chocolate bars across the UK, which contained undeclared allergens. SP Wholesale Limited and its director, Mayank Soneji, pleaded guilty to food safety and trademark violations on 3 September.
Counterfeit Products and Hygiene Concerns
The case came to light following an inspection in March 2022 by Luton Council’s environmental health officer. During the visit to SP Wholesale’s premises on Britannia Estate, Leagrave Road, it was discovered that the company was repackaging inexpensive, imported chocolate bars with counterfeit Wonka Bar wrappers.
The inspection revealed unsanitary conditions in the warehouse, including evidence of mice and pigeons, and identified serious hygiene issues. The fake Wonka Bars were found to contain allergens such as peanuts and almonds, which were not listed on the packaging. This posed a significant health risk to consumers with food allergies.
The council also uncovered that the counterfeit products bore a fake address and that SP Wholesale had not secured permission from the trademark holder, Ferrero Group, to use the Wonka Bar branding. The business was subsequently required to conduct a nationwide recall of the affected products.
Legal Consequences and Official Statements
Mayank Soneji, aged 37, was fined £5,265, and SP Wholesale Limited was ordered to pay £5,824. Gerard McCleave, the council’s corporate director for inclusive economy, condemned the actions, stating that Soneji had demonstrated "a complete disregard for the safety of his customers." He emphasized the importance of accurate food labeling to prevent health risks associated with allergens.
“This sentencing sends out a message to all food businesses that selling counterfeit goods will not be tolerated,” McCleave added.
Impact on Food Safety and Consumer Protection
The case highlights the critical importance of food safety and transparency, particularly for products that might affect individuals with allergies. It also underscores the need for vigilance in the food supply chain to prevent counterfeit goods from reaching consumers.