An Essex-based doner kebab manufacturer has been fined £500,000 after an investigation revealed its products contained significantly less lamb than advertised. Kismet Kebabs, which supplies fast food outlets across the UK, marketed its doner kebabs as comprising 70% lamb, but DNA testing conducted by Swansea trading standards authorities found the meat contained under 10% sheep.

The inquiry, launched in 2020 and 2021 following routine sampling, exposed that the remaining content included goat meat alongside skin and fat. The company, estimated to have earned around £6 million during the period in question, admitted to fraudulent practices dating back to 2021, with officials noting the breaches spanned a period of approximately five years. Kismet Kebabs has attributed the misconduct to a former management team, stating the issues occurred under different leadership.

Directors Panayiotis Vasilis Michael and Djemal Enver pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation at Swansea Crown Court. While the defence argued that the company gained minimal financial advantage from mislabeling the product, the presiding judge, Huw Rees, described the conduct as demonstrating “considerable dishonesty.” In addition to the fine, the firm was ordered to pay £259,298 in legal costs.

Swansea trading standards officer Rhys Harries remarked on the findings, suggesting that some consumers might expect the inclusion of lower quality ingredients such as skin and fat in doner kebabs, but would be less likely to anticipate undeclared goat meat. Harries emphasized that consumers have the right to receive products consistent with their labeling.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over food adulteration and labeling accuracy in the fast food supply chain. Authorities continue to encourage vigilance and testing to uphold industry standards and protect consumers from misleading practices.