Probe into bogus 'home-made' food in Derbyshire

Only three out of 14 pubs and restaurants tested by council officials in Derbyshire had correctly labelled home-made or local food.

A recent Trading Standards probe also uncovered false information on menus.

Among problems found in the investigation were imported "local" meat, "garden" food where no garden existed and frozen "fresh baked" bread.

The county council said customers had a right to be correctly informed and offenders risked a prison sentence.

Other incorrect claims included "Ashbourne" field mushrooms bought in Sheffield or Manchester, "home-baked" honey ham from a wholesaler and "Derbyshire" turkey produced in Staffordshire.

Trading standards officers said they were particularly disappointed as advice leaflets on the issue had been sent to more than 700 businesses across the county.

Verbal or written advice or warning letters were sent to the 11 companies making incorrect claims.

Businesses that fail to comply with the Food Safety Act can face prosecution and fines of up to £20,000 or a six month prison sentence.