News
Supermarket chain CK Foodstores accused of selling expired meat
A POPULAR supermarket chain, CK Foodstores, has come under fire after it was exposed for selling meat that was up to 13 days past its use-by date. The shocking discovery was made by S4C’s investigative program, Y Byd ar Bedwar, which found nearly 50 items being sold or displayed past their expiration dates in several CK Foodstores.
Selling products beyond their use-by date is not only an offence but also poses health risks to consumers. Consuming spoiled meat can lead to various illnesses and complications. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adhere to proper food safety regulations.
MONITOR AND IMPROVE
CK Foodstores has pledged to “monitor and improve” its policies in response to the allegations. The supermarket chain operates over 30 stores across south and west Wales. While some stores may display the Nisa logo due to a partnership with the brand Nisa Local, it’s important to note that CK Foodstores independently owns and operates these establishments.
The investigation, which spanned nearly a year, focused exclusively on CK Foodstores. There is no suggestion that Nisa Local has been involved in the sale of expired food items.
During the probe, it was revealed that almost half of the 24 stores visited were selling products past their use-by dates. Specific examples include a piece of gammon that was 13 days expired at a CK’s store in Penclawdd, Swansea, and chicken drumsticks that were two days out-of-date at the St Clears store in Carmarthenshire.
Further instances of expired meat were found at stores in Birchgrove, Brynhyfryd, Burry Port, Cimla, Llandysul, St David’s, and Waunarlwydd.
PEMBROKESHIRE
In the Narberth store in Pembrokeshire, the investigative team even purchased a bag of gammon misshapes that were sold a shocking 10 days past their use-by date.
This is not the first time CK Foodstores has faced legal repercussions for such violations. Last year, the supermarket chain was ordered to pay nearly £30,000 for selling expired food and displaying unsafe products in two of its Swansea stores.
Nathan Barnhouse, director of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), emphasized the importance of use-by dates in ensuring consumer safety. He stated, “A use-by date is about safety. It may smell and look OK, but you won’t necessarily see the bacteria that could potentially make you ill. That could lead to hospitalization if you’re elderly, young, or have an underlying health condition. And just because you may have eaten food past its use-by date in the past and been OK, you may not be so lucky in the future. Shops shouldn’t be selling anything past its use-by date.”
In response to the accusations, CK Foodstores issued a statement to the program, expressing their commitment to customers and the communities they serve. They asserted that they would continue to enhance their policies and procedures to ensure customers receive quality items at reasonable prices. However, the company did not specifically address the allegations of selling expired products.
CK Foodstores said to the programme in a statement: “CK’s values all of its customers and the communities in which it operates.
“In recognition of its commitment to its customers, CK will continue to monitor and improve on its policies and procedures to ensure that its customers continue to receive quality items at reasonable prices.”
CK’s did not respond to the allegations of selling products past the use-by date.
The Food Standards Agency has highlighted the severity of selling meat beyond its use-by date, clarifying that it is not only a violation but also endangers public health.
As consumers, it is vital that we remain vigilant and demand accountability from businesses regarding food safety standards.
Business
Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire
FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.
Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.
Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.
The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.
According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.
The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.
In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”
The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.
News
UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner
FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.
An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.
The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.
In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”
Crime
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
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