Dewsbury Retailer in Court
Wednesday 24 July
On Monday 22nd July 2024 at Kirklees Magistrates Court, Iqbal Sidat and his wife Rabiya Sidat were fined £235, ordered to pay £997 costs and a £94 victim surcharge each, having pleaded guilty to offences under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
In July 2023 West Yorkshire Trading Standards visited Sids News, 175-177 Chickenley Lane, Dewsbury following a complaint from a member of the public that the store was selling out of date food. During the inspection 61 items of food were discovered past the use by date, collectively these were 527 days past the use by date. In addition, there were 433 disposable electronic cigarettes that were seized that exceeded the maximum 2ml capacity size.
During a formal interview Mr Sidat stated the store had a recent re-fit and they introduced new lines which made effective stock rotation unmanageable. Mr Sidat also stated he was not aware of the legal requirements regarding the maximum capacity for disposable e-cigarettes.
David Strover, Head of Trading Standards (Business Services) said “this case highlights the importance of all food businesses being diligent in meeting their legal responsibilities. Use by dates are placed on foods which are considered from a microbiological view, to be highly perishable and are therefore likely after a short period to constitute an immediate danger to human health. Businesses should be undertaking daily date checks on food.”
Councillor Munir Ahmed of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee which oversees the work of Trading Standards said, “The work of Trading Standards plays an important role in Food Standards. Food past the use by date is automatically deemed unsafe by legislation, businesses must ensure the food they supply is safe.”
Consumers wishing to report illegal trading practices, including the supply of out-of-date food, can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 to report their concerns - this can be done anonymously.
Notes to editors: Images of food and e cigarettes available upon request