Food complaints
If you have a complaint about unsatisfactory food; for example it is bad, contains a foreign object or has been prepared unhygienically, an officer will investigate the matter.
The officer will determine the most appropriate course of action to take depending on the seriousness of the complaint, the evidence available and the nature of the business concerned.
Should you wish to make a complaint, you should ensure that the food is kept intact, the packaging is retained, together with proof of purchase and if it is perishable, it is kept refrigerated until collection.
It may be necessary in more serious cases for a statement to be taken to confirm details of purchase and discovery of the complaint, should the matter go to Court. However, in most instances, the officer will contact the manufacturer and/or retailer to determine the reason for the complaint and the matter can be dealt with informally.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the business directly. For pre-packaged foods, you should contact the manufacturer whose details will be on the packaging.
Should you choose the latter option and forward the complaint to the manufacturer or retailer, if you are not entirely satisfied with the investigation we would not be able to take any action other than liaise with the company on your behalf with a view to providing you with a fuller response.
Walsall Council would be unable to negotiate compensation for complaints on your behalf. Action taken by the authority would be for a breach of criminal law and not civil liability.
Date coding of food
There is some confusion about the law on date coding of foodstuffs.
Foods which are susceptible to perishing and have the potential to cause food borne disease bear a “use by date”. Typical examples are meat products such as sausage rolls and pork pies. It is illegal to sell any product after its “use by” date. It must not be exposed for sale but removed for destruction.
Foods not prone to perishing should bear a “best before” date. These are advisory only and the food may be sold after that date. Obviously the quality of the food may have deteriorated but providing that it is not mouldy or unfit for consumption it is quite lawful for it to be sold.
Should you need to speak to an Officer regarding labelling matters/complaints please contact Trading Standards on trading standards
Contact us
Public Protection Services
Environmental Health Division
Challenge Building
Hatherton Road
Walsall
WS1 1DJ
Telephone 01922 652210