If you buy food, and then find a problem with it, do you know
what to do? You could take it back to the shop to be replaced or to
have a refund, of course. In most cases this will be the best thing
to do.
But what if the food is contaminated in some way:
· remains of an insect or mouse
· mouldy
· metal or glass
Or what if it is "off"? What if it is beyond its use by
date?
That is where we come in. Food businesses have a legal duty to
sell only food that is fit for human consumption and which is of a
satisfactory standard of quality. If it isn't then contact us and
we will look into it, and take appropriate action if the law has
been broken.
What about compensation?
We only look into your complaint from a criminal law point of
view and we won't get involved in issues of compensation. When we
have completed our investigation and with your permission we will
release your details to the retailer or manufacturer, as they
usually wish to offer you some minimal recompense for your
unsatisfactory purchase. This will usually be more than your legal
entitlement, which is a refund in most instances.
If you have suffered any consequences due to a food problem, for
example an injury to your mouth, then you may wish to seek legal
advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau
Do you investigate all food complaints?
No. Some complaints are dealt with by Trading Standards such as
most food labelling issues, illegal additives, and pet foods. There
are also some complaints that we will not investigate because there
is no risk to public health or safety. If your complaint falls into
this category you will be advised of this, and the reason why.
Best Before and Use By Dates
It is illegal to sell food past its 'use by' date, or to alter
the 'use by' date. 'Use-by' dates are used for foods that may not
be safe after that date.
It is NOT illegal to sell food after its 'best before' date.
'Best before' dates mean that the manufacturer guarantees that the
food will be of best quality up to that date. After that date the
quality MAY decline. 'Best before' dates are usually for longer
life products.