Supermarket Giant Hit with £500,000 Fine for Selling Expired Food
A major UK supermarket has faced legal repercussions for selling expired food items. Asda was fined £507,767 after admitting to five violations of the Food Safety Act concerning expired products sold at its Barnsley store.
Details of the Offences
The violations included selling 41 out-of-date food items, one of which was hummus that was 16 days past its expiration date. Other expired items included pizzas and curries, posing potential health risks to customers.
Legal Framework
Under UK law, it is illegal to sell food that has passed its expiration date. However, products can be sold past their “best-before” date if they are still considered safe for consumption.
Response from Authorities
- Trading Standards discovered the expired items during an inspection at the Old Mill Lane store.
- A spokesperson emphasized improvements in store practices, including a new checking system and retraining of staff.
- Cllr Wendy Cain of Barnsley Council remarked that public health is a top priority, and businesses must comply with safety regulations.
Asda’s Reaction
An Asda representative expressed disappointment regarding the expired products found in their Barnsley location. The spokesperson confirmed that steps have been taken to enhance food safety, including implementing a new date code checking process across all stores.
The significant financial penalty serves as a reminder that adherence to food safety regulations is crucial for protecting consumer health.
