Asda has been hit with a substantial fine of £500,000 after selling out-of-date food products at one of its UK supermarket branches. The supermarket chain has responded by rolling out new date-checking procedures across all its stores nationwide.
Details of the Offence and Fine
Following an investigation by the Barnsley Council Trading Standards team, Asda was found guilty of five offences under the Food Safety Act. The violations occurred at its Barnsley store in 2024, where items such as hummus, pizzas, and curries were discovered to be past their sell-by dates. Some products, including tubs of hummus, were more than two weeks out of date.
On January 29, Asda was ordered to pay a total of £507,767 in fines and costs. A Barnsley Trading Standards spokesperson emphasised that the sizeable £100,000 fine per offence serves as a clear warning that non-compliance with food safety regulations will not be tolerated.
Asda's Response and New Measures
An Asda spokesperson expressed disappointment over the incident, acknowledging that it fell short of customer expectations. In response, the supermarket has introduced a new date code checking process in every Asda store to ensure that only the freshest products are available for purchase.
The company stated that improvements have been made since the offences, including retraining staff, increased auditing, and the implementation of a new checking system. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar issues in the future and uphold high standards of food safety.
Council and Public Health Perspectives
Barnsley Council's public health spokesperson, Cllr Wendy Cain, highlighted the council's commitment to community safety. She noted that this significant result sends a strong message that the authorities will always prioritise public health and safety, taking action against businesses that fail to comply with legislation.
The council expects all businesses, regardless of size, to sell only safe food and will enforce regulations rigorously to protect consumers.
Broader Retail Context
This development comes amid shifting trends in the grocery sector. According to market research firm Worldpanel by Numerator, grocery price inflation eased to 4% in January, the lowest level since April, down from 4.3% in December. Asda's sales were reported to be down 3.7% compared to the previous year.
Consumer behaviour is also evolving, with nearly a quarter of shoppers seeking high-protein foods and 26% looking for high-fibre products. Sales of cottage cheese surged by 50% year on year, reaching approximately 2.8 million households. Additionally, fresh fruit, dried pulses, fresh fish, poultry, and chilled yoghurt all saw increases in sales, reflecting a growing focus on health and nutrition among consumers.
Asda's implementation of enhanced date-checking procedures is a critical step in rebuilding trust and ensuring compliance with food safety standards, as the retail landscape continues to adapt to economic and consumer demands.
