A Yorkshire greengrocer has been prosecuted after HMI inspectors found fruit and vegetables at his shop failed to meet fresh produce marketing standards.
Mohammed Atif Anwar – manager of Asia Foods, Yew Hill Road in Huddersfield – was found to have five displays in breach of the EU marketing rules for fresh produce, including rotten melons and peaches, after a final Horticultural Marketing Inspectors’ (HMI) inspection conducted on 3 August 2015.
Following a six-month investigation by the Rural Payments Agency’s (RPA) HMI, on 1 March at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court, Anwar pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £1,200 – £300 each for four quality offences, with a fifth labelling charge dropped.
He was also asked to pay £600 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
Following the hearing, RPA Operations Director, Paul Caldwell, said:
“Concerted efforts were made by HMI to work closely with the business through face-to-face meetings, verbal warnings and formal written notices, all aimed at achieving improved compliance from the business.
“Unfortunately such advice is not always heeded and when all other options have been exhausted we will resort to the use of criminal sanction to bring about a required change in behaviour.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving public protection offences such as selling defective produce, selling counterfeit goods, weights and measures and labelling offences, selling illegal tobacco and alcohol – and breaches of health and safety or food hygiene.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews with investigating and prosecuting authorities.
For expert legal advice on public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.