TWO shops have been hit with hefty fines for stocking out-of-date food.
T. A. Owens in the Hardshaw Centre was found to be selling meat that was up to two months past its 'use-by' date when Trading Standards watchdogs visited.
Magistrates fined owner Thomas Owens £22,000 and £2,100 costs.
The court was told that if eaten, the meat could have caused health dangers.
Further spot checks found Warrington company, Alfred Jones Ltd., trading as Spar at Haresfinch, sold chilled products between one and seven days past its use-by dates.
The retailer was given a £15,000 fine with £1,500 costs.
ADVICE
Councillor Terry Shields, St Helens Council's Executive Member for Environmental Protection, said, said: "Officers provide advice and guidance on this issue on a regular basis to assist businesses but will not tolerate continuation of this practice.
"These prosecutions show the seriousness with which such non-compliance is viewed by trading Standards and the courts.
"Most food items will have either a 'best-before' or 'use-by' date indicating when the food should be consumed by.
"Although both dates are important, consumers must ensure that they avoid eating food beyond the 'use-by' date as this is when the food can become dangerous to health".
Food that is for sale beyond the sell-by date should be reported to Trading Standards on 01744 456306.
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