25/2/2009 - Food fright as Trading Standards warn over scam letter

Cumbrian food outlets are being warned by Trading Standards to be on the lookout for a scam letter demanding they pay a £1,000 fine or face closure.

The con letter claims to be from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and is headed with a FSA logo, and gives an address in Nottingham. 

It then tells the business that is has breached food hygiene regulations and demands payment of £1,000 to avoid prosecution for supposedly providing food unfit for human consumption due to high levels of listeria.

The letter is NOT from the FSA and Cumbria Trading Standards advise food businesses to ignore the letter and not send any money to either the FSA or the address in Nottingham.

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "The Cumbria Food Liaison Group –made up of Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers from all the local authorities in the county - have made it clear that they would never write to a business demanding that a fine should be paid in this way. Nor would the Food Standards Agency. 

"Food business operators would never be sent a letter like this suggesting they could avoid prosecution by paying a penalty. Trading Standards offer advice and support to prevent problems arising but if an inspection or complaint reveals a problem with a food related business, we will work with the owner to put things right. Prosecution is very much a last resort as we would rather work with businesses.

"Any business letter demanding payment should be treated with caution and always checked carefully."

Any food businesses receiving the letter are advised to bin it, and if they have any concerns whatsoever to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

ENDS

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