South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) have warned of food safety and hygiene regulations following an incident at a corner shop.

And while the perishable produce was on the shelves at Today's News in Grantham, the county-wide warning applies to shops and businesses across South Kesteven.  

Shop manager Mahalingam Ragavan appeared before Boston magistrates on charges relating to the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.

In court this week, he was alleged to have offered a Rustlers Quarter Pounder for sale six days after its Use By date; an Original Patty Co Authentic Jamaican Patty, five days beyond the Use By date; and a Peter's Chicken and Bacon Slice four days after the Use By date.

Ragavan admitted all charges.

The council have shared this story to remind shop owners of the dangers, and expenses incurred, when regulations are not followed. The team said: "Retailers can legally sell produce that has passed its Best Before date but cannot sell food that has passed its Use By date because this is related to safety rather than quality.

"A visit to the premises was made by health inspectors from South Kesteven District Council following receipt of a complaint from a member of the public on 22 July 2022. 

"During the hearing, magistrates were shown photos of some of the food on sale in the store during safety inspections last year - including images where mould can clearly be seen growing."

Sally Burke, prosecuting on behalf of SKDC, explained the responsibilities of food business operators and how date code checks and temperature control checks fall within this.

The team added: "The defendant appeared to have a good understanding of his food safety responsibilities; this is the second time he has been prosecuted for similar offences, the last time in 2018 when he was fined £480 with £1,544 costs and a surcharge of £120 after pleading guilty."

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: "This is a positive result for our hard-working Environmental Health team and I would like to thank them for their diligence in achieving this successful prosecution. It is important we take action to keep residents safe.

"While a majority of businesses across the district are responsible traders, I hope this sends a strong message to all that safety is a priority, and we will take court action where necessary.

"This penalty could have been avoided with simple checks and stock rotation. Environmental Health officers provide plenty of advice and help to food businesses on a regular basis and are also happy to explain best practice to business that request it."

The bench reduced a £2,400 fine to £1,600 due to the guilty plea. A surcharge of £360 was imposed, and full prosecution costs of £3,780 giving the total of £5,740.

Customers who see a breach of standards locally are encouraged to report the issue to their local councillors so that the matter can be handled in a similar manner by the authorities.

Find out more online.