Tag Archives: HMI

Birmingham wholesaler prosecuted for produce standards offences

Four Season Exotic Limited, a Birmingham-based wholesaler, has been fined more than £3,500 at Birmingham Magistrates Court, following an investigation by Rural Payments Agency’s (RPA) Horticultural Marketing Inspectors (HMI).

An inspection on 25 February 2015 found two regulated displays in breach of EU marketing rules for fresh produce, including orange sweet peppers being offered for sale in a rotten condition.

According to HMI, ‘The prosecution followed a series of risk-based enforcement visits and inspections, carried out by Horticultural Marketing Inspectors between February 2014 and February 2015. Concerted efforts were made by the HMI to work closely with Four Season Exotic Limited director Jaffer Mohammad with face-to-face meetings, verbal warnings and formal written notices, all aimed at achieving improved compliance from the company.’

Photo Credit: Gov.uk

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Kent shopkeeper fined for selling rotten fruit

A Kentish shopkeeper has been fined for selling rotten fruit and vegetables after an inspection by the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI).

Ishtiaq Ahmed, proprietor of the Garden of England store in Canterbury was sentenced at Canterbury Magistrates Court on 23 November 2015. An HMI investigation in April found nine breaches of EU marketing rules for fresh produce quality and labelling, including apples and lemons which failed to meet the lowest marketable standards permitted.

Rural Payments Agency Operations Director Paul Caldwell commented, “Prosecution is only used as a last resort and we will always try to get businesses complying with the marketing standards through advice and guidance and, where possible, with the full cooperation and support from the business itself.”

Mr Ahmed pleaded guilty and was fined £1,305 for the offences, £2,871.42 for the prosecution’s costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Photo Credit: Gov.uk

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