A shop owner in a Welsh village has been fined for selling food that was past its use-by date, putting customers at risk of consuming unsafe products. The owner of P&R Convenience Store, trading as Family Shopper in Gilfach Goch, was found to have sold fourteen food items past their use-by date following a complaint from a member of the public to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s trading standards department. The items included smoked ham, meatballs, and pasties, some of which were between two and three days past their use-by date. This incident highlights the importance of adhering to food safety regulations and conducting regular date checks on products to ensure customer safety.
The offence was brought to light after a visit from the trading standards department of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, prompting action against the shop owner. The list of products found to be past their use-by date included profiteroles, basil pesto and mozzarella pasta, a classic steak slice, and hot and spicy meatballs. If regular date checks had been carried out as advised, these expired products would have been missed multiple times, potentially leading to continued sale of unsafe items to customers.
This case follows a recent incident involving another village shop owner in Hirwaun Village Stores who was fined for selling food almost six months past its use-by date. The council’s trading standards department has reminded customers to always check use-by dates when making purchases to ensure the products are safe for consumption. It is crucial for businesses to comply with food safety regulations, as outlined in the General Food Regulations 2004, to prevent the sale of unsafe items to consumers.
The owner of the village shop pleaded guilty to all charges and expressed remorse for the incident, stating that measures have been put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. He was fined over £1,700 and ordered to cover costs and a victim surcharge. Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, emphasized the importance of businesses ensuring the safety of goods sold to customers, particularly in relation to use-by dates on perishable items.
In response to this case, the council has urged businesses to adopt proper food hygiene practices and compliance with food safety regulations to avoid similar fines and legal actions. The Trading Standards department offers advice and assistance to food businesses to ensure safe practices are followed. Customers are encouraged to report any concerns regarding out-of-date food for sale, underscoring the community’s role in upholding food safety standards. It is imperative for businesses to prioritise the well-being of consumers by adhering to food safety regulations and conducting regular checks on product dates.
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that businesses hold in ensuring the safety of the goods they sell to customers. By following recommended practices and conducting thorough checks on product dates, businesses can uphold food safety standards and protect consumers from consuming expired or unsafe items. The enforcement of food safety regulations plays a vital role in maintaining public health and trust in businesses within the community. Businesses across the County Borough are urged to take necessary measures to comply with food safety regulations to avoid legal consequences and safeguard consumer well-being.