February 1, 2019 3.41 pm This story is over 61 months old

Shop owners fined £3k for selling out of date food

Inspectors found 15 food items past the sell by date
This sandwich was found at the store.

Two men who run a shop in Owston Ferry have been fined a total of £2,950 for selling out of date food.

Abid Rafiq and Mohammed Rafiq, who run Owston Ferry Store, Owston Ferry were sentenced at Grimsby Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 10.

Inspectors from North Lincolnshire Council made several visits in 2017, where they found 15 food items past the sell by date.

The men were both found guilty of food hygiene offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

Abid Rafiq pleaded guilty to two offences of selling unsafe food past its use by date. He was fined £1,500 plus £870 investigation costs, £150 legal fees and £150 victim surcharge.

Mohammed Rafiq was found guilty of failing to provide information on the identity of the supplier of food. He was fined £100 plus £150 legal costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Anyone who believes that a business is selling unsafe food in North Lincolnshire is being urged to report it on the council website or to call 01724 297000.

Councillor Ralph Ogg, cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places, said: “All food hygiene offences are taken seriously and if food businesses refuse to comply with the law, they must face the consequences.

“All food business operators must follow food and safety hygiene regulations to ensure customers are not put at risk.

“Please let this be a warning to other businesses across North Lincolnshire, whether you are a restaurant, takeaway or local shop, action will be taken if you are not selling safe food.

“I’d urge residents to report businesses they believe are selling unsafe food to the council so it can be investigated.”