How many complaints have been received by Trading Standards in 2023, 2024 and 2025 (to date) relating to supermarkets selling food past its Use By Date, including any complaints received via Consumer line.
For each complaint, please provide:
1) The month and year the complaint was received
2) The name of the supermarket involved (if recorded)
3) A brief description or category of the issue
4) Details of any enforcement or investigative action taken as a result of the complaint
Please note that the information you have requested is outlined in the table below:
| Date received | Supermarket brand | Outline | Action by us |
| Jan 2024 | Redacted* | Meat delivered past use by date | Recorded and NFA |
| Feb 2024 | Redacted* | Meat sold past use by date | Recorded and NFA |
| Aug 2024 | Redacted* | Meat sold past use by date | Recorded and NFA |
* You will note that information has been redacted from the table below. This is because this information is exempt from disclosure under Section 44 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Prohibitions on Disclosure). Devon County Council can confirm that we hold this information. However, we are conscious that the information in question was obtained while undertaking a formal investigation by our Trading Standards Service. This investigation was undertaken to discharge the Council’s investigation and enforcement powers under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. On this basis, we consider this information is captured by the prohibition on disclosure that is outlined under Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002. It is for this information we consider the information is exempt under Section 44 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.