The sale of food past its ‘use by’ date at Lifestyle Express, Llanfairpwll, resulted in a successful court prosecution today (Wednesday, January 15th).
Former employee, Mr Prince Sebastian and Mr Francis Mathew (director of Unistrat Ltd) appeared in Caernarfon Magistrates court, following an investigation by Anglesey Trading Standards.
The Court heard that following a consumer complaint a Trading Standards Officer had visited the premises on the 6th August 2019 and found nine items, ranging between 1 and 15 days past their use by date.
Mr Mathew and Mr Sebastian attended a meeting with Trading Standards Officers in relation to the serious nature of the offence and were advised what actions were necessary to ensure compliance and prevent re-occurrence.
However, on 5th September 2019, an officer attended the store and on seeing pies in a box near the till, asked if they were for sale. Mr Sebastian stated “…yes, but they’re out of date, I’ve just pulled them out of the chiller, they should be ok and are half price at £1 each”. The officer purchased three pies and was given another free of charge.
Mr Mathew, on behalf of Unistrat Ltd, pleaded guilty to one charge under the General Food Regulations 2004 of selling unsafe food, and Mr Sebastian pleaded guilty to an offence of providing misleading information in relation to the pies past their ‘use by date’.
In sentencing, the Magistrates stated there to be a high level of culpability in both cases as both had been present at the meeting and advised by Trading Standards.
Mr Sebastian was ordered to pay a total of £513 (in fine, surcharge and costs) whilst Unistrat Ltd was ordered to pay a total of £3,127.74 (in fine, surcharge and costs).
Anglesey’s Chief Public Protection Officer, Les Pursglove, said, “We welcome these convictions and warn that the sale of unsafe food will not be tolerated. Those failing to comply with legislation to protected consumers from such acts will be brought before the courts.”
Ends 15.1.20