Asda in Sinfin caught selling expired food, October 2024

In July 2021, during an inspection, Derby City Council trading standards officers discovered that a supermarket in Derby, Asda Sinfin, was displaying food items that were as much as six months past their use-by dates. A total of 18 out-of-date items were found on the shelves, raising significant safety concerns, particularly as some products were intended for children. The lack of compliance with food safety regulations led to legal consequences for Asda Stores Ltd., which was fined £250,000 and ordered to pay additional costs. The District Judge emphasized that Asda failed to show satisfactory defense and disregarded previous warnings regarding food safety practices. The implications of this incident go beyond just financial penalties; it highlights the vital role of regulatory bodies in ensuring consumer safety. Council representatives stated that the severity of the fine reflects the serious risks posed to public health. Moreover, officials expressed the importance of maintaining trust in grocery retailers as safe sources for food products consumers rely on for their families. Asda publicly regretted the incident, acknowledging their failure to meet the high safety and quality standards expected in their stores. They affirmed their commitment to providing fresh products and ensuring that such errors are not repeated. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that retailers hold in maintaining food safety and the potential consequences of failing to do so.