A London based market trader has been fined for displaying, offering and selling rotten fruit & vegetables that failed to meet the minimum quality standards.
The stallholder at Queens Market in Upton Park was fined £1,998 at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 22 August 2018. He runs one of the largest independent fruit and vegetable stalls within the purpose-built indoor complex.
Horticultural Marketing Inspectors found the stall selling rotten lettuce, plums and papaya, while kakis and limes were being marketed with incorrect country of origin labelling.
Peter Bainbridge, RPA Operations Director: “The ultimate objective of the RPA’s Horticultural Marketing Inspectors is to work closely with the fresh produce industry at all times. They use face-to-face inspection as a means of providing advice and guidance to help support retailers such as Mr Childs understand the role that the marketing standards can play in adding real value to their business.”
Gov.uk reported how, on top of the fine, HMI investigation costs of £2,049 were awarded, along with victim surcharge, producing a total financial penalty of £4,138.
