Asda has received a fine of £500,000 for selling expired food at one of its UK supermarket outlets. The Barnsley branch was found to have products more than two weeks past their sell-by dates, including hummus containers that were 16 days overdue. The investigation by Barnsley Council Trading Standards also revealed expired pizzas and curries.
Following the discovery, Asda admitted to five violations under the Food Safety Act and was instructed to pay £507,767 in fines and costs on January 29. The supermarket has since implemented new date checking procedures in all its stores.
A representative from Barnsley Trading Standards stated that despite improvements made after the incidents, such as a revised checking system and enhanced store auditing, the significant £100,000 penalty per violation sends a clear message against non-compliance.
Cllr Wendy Cain, Barnsley Council’s public health spokesperson, emphasized the commitment to ensuring community safety and the strict enforcement of selling only safe food. The actions taken serve as a reminder that health and safety remain a top priority.
In response, an Asda spokesperson expressed disappointment over the presence of expired products at the Barnsley store in 2024, acknowledging the failure to meet customer expectations. They assured the implementation of a new date code checking process in all Asda locations to guarantee fresh products for customers.
The incident occurred as grocery price inflation eased to 4% in January, the lowest rate since April, according to market research firm Worldpanel by Numerator. Asda experienced a 3.7% decline in sales compared to the previous year.
Consumer trends indicated a growing demand for high-protein and high-fiber foods, with sales of cottage cheese increasing by 50% year on year. Additionally, sales of fresh fruit, dried pulses, fresh fish, poultry, and chilled yogurt all saw positive year-on-year growth.
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