Bracknell

Supermarket giant Tesco has been fined after out of date food was found on sale in two of its largest branches in Bracknell Forest.

At a hearing at Maidenhead Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, March 25, Tesco was fined £18,000 for selling food that was past its use by date. It was also ordered to pay a further £13,500 in legal costs to Bracknell Forest Council.

The supermarket pleaded guilty to 14 offences relating to 48 items of food found past its use by date in its Warfield branch and at The Meadows in Sandhurst in October 2007.

Bracknell Forest Council decided to prosecute the supermarket after routine inspections by trading standards officers found food on sale which was up to 26 days beyond its use by date - commonly described as sell by dates. The items of food included sausages, yoghurts, cream, cheese and meatballs.

Use by dates are used on foods which are perishable and could constitute an immediate danger to human health if exceeded.

A district judge decided to issue a maximum fine for two of the offences, in full support of the Council's action to prosecute to protect public health.

Rob Sexton, Head of Bracknell Trading Standards, said: We regularly check food on sale to help ensure all businesses comply with laws which ensure food quality and whether its consumption is likely to put health at risk.

"The support by a district judge of this action proves how it is important such checks are, regardless of the size of the organisation."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Public Protection, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of both the investigation and the fact that the judge saw fit to levy a substantial fine thereby making the point.

"The offence of selling food after its use by date is there to protect public health. The various items of food on sale at Tesco had the potential to cause harm to those who may consume them - particularly any who may be more vulnerable due to their age or ill health. It is therefore to Tesco's credit that they pleaded guilty to the charge.

"We hope the result of this case will be a wake-up call to all food retailers to review their procedures. This case is also a lesson to us as consumers to always check use by dates on every product we buy.”

Bracknell Forest Council