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Supermarket chain CK Foodstores accused of selling expired meat

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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of gammon that was 13 days expired at a CK’s store in Penclawdd, Swansea, and chicken drumsticks that were two days out-of-date at the St Clears store in Carmarthenshire.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.

Education

Landfill odours breach air quality guidelines near Spittal School

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AIR quality near Spittal School has breached World Health Organisation (WHO) odour annoyance guidelines due to emissions from the Withyhedge landfill site, sparking health concerns among residents.

Public Health Wales (PHW) revealed that hydrogen sulphide levels exceeded the WHO odour annoyance threshold of 5ppb at the Spittal School monitoring station between October 1 and November 3. The colourless gas, known for its eggy smell, can cause symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and throat irritation when present at elevated levels.

Henry Tufnell MP (centre) at visit to Withyhedge Landfill Site

Community complaints lead to monitoring

Air quality monitoring began earlier this year after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) received numerous complaints about odours linked to the landfill. While other monitoring sites recorded no such exceedances between September 7 and 22, PHW acknowledged the distress caused by the smells.

A PHW spokesperson said: “Bad smells in your community can be upsetting and lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sleep problems. These effects usually pass once the odour is gone.”

Stop the Stink: There have been several protests by locals over smells from the landfill site

Health risk remains low

PHW emphasised that the long-term health risk to residents remains low. However, it advises residents to close windows and doors when odours occur to reduce exposure, while ensuring proper ventilation for safety. Once the smell dissipates, opening windows can help clear residual odours.

Calls for regulatory action

NRW stated that it is committed to ensuring the site operator, RML, takes steps to minimise emissions that could cause offsite odours. PHW, while monitoring the situation, clarified it has no regulatory authority over landfill operations.

“We understand the stress and anxiety caused by these odours,” said a PHW spokesperson. “We will continue reviewing and updating the health risk assessment as more data becomes available.”

Local residents continue to call for stronger action to address the issue, as the unpleasant odours disrupt daily life and raise ongoing concerns.

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Wales tourism tax: £1.25 levy proposed from 2027

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A NEW tourism tax of £1.25 per person per night could be introduced in Wales starting April 2027, following the publication of draft legislation by the Welsh government. The levy, applicable to hotels, B&Bs, and self-catered accommodation, would be charged per person, including children. A reduced rate of 75p would apply to stays in hostels and campsites.

The Welsh government argues the levy will raise approximately £33m annually, supporting services and infrastructure in tourism hotspots. Funds raised will be ring-fenced for projects such as promoting tourism, improving visitor services, and supporting the Welsh language. However, the plans have sparked criticism from opposition parties and industry groups, who warn the tax may deter tourists and harm Wales’ vital tourism sector.

Industry concerns

The tourism sector, employing 159,000 people—nearly 12% of Wales’ workforce—has expressed concerns about the impact of the levy on visitor numbers. Critics, including the Wales Tourism Alliance, argue there is no guarantee the revenue will enhance the visitor experience, potentially making Wales less attractive compared to neighboring regions without similar taxes.

The Welsh Conservatives oppose the measure, calling it a “barrier to tourism” and warning of increased costs for families and additional bureaucracy for small businesses. Shadow Minister for Finance Peter Fox stated: “This tax is the wrong one for Wales and the wrong one for our tourism industry.”

How it works

The levy will not apply to stays of more than 31 nights or to individuals in temporary accommodation or homeless hostels. The tax will also require providers of short-term accommodations, such as Airbnbs, to register under a licensing scheme set to be introduced through additional legislation before 2026.

Councils adopting the levy must consult stakeholders and provide 12 months’ notice before implementing or increasing the charge. While the levy is optional for local authorities, it is expected to be a divisive issue among councils. Some may view it as a means to generate revenue for improving tourism infrastructure, while others may fear it could drive visitors to neighboring regions without the tax.

Broader context

Visitor levies are not new; countries worldwide employ similar systems to fund local services and improve tourist destinations. Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford defended the plan, saying, “It’s fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience.”

Cardiff Council has indicated interest in exploring fiscal powers like the levy as part of its broader strategy to invest in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, critics remain skeptical, with some calling for clearer commitments on how funds will be spent to ensure the levy provides tangible benefits for tourists and communities alike.

Next steps

For the tax to take effect, the proposed legislation must pass through the Senedd. If approved, councils will have discretion over implementation, ensuring any decision is tailored to local priorities and needs.

Whether this initiative strengthens Wales’ position as a leading destination or creates obstacles for the tourism industry remains a point of contention.

Expert’s viewpoint

Corporate partner at law firm Spencer West LLP: “The introduction of a tourism levy in Wales could have significant implications for the leisure, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Whilst the legislation aims to reduce the burden on local infrastructure and services resulting from a regular influx of tourists by providing additional funding for them, it may also create financial and operational challenges for businesses in these industries.

From a positive perspective, the reinvestment of funds into local infrastructure could enhance visitor experiences, potentially attracting more tourists over the long term. Improved facilities and local amenities could also help bolster community support for tourism, fostering a more sustainable relationship between visitors and local communities.

However, the levy could impose additional costs on tourists, potentially deterring budget-conscious visitors or driving them to alternative destinations without such charges. This risk may disproportionately affect smaller accommodation providers, hostels, and campsites, which rely on price-sensitive customers. Additionally, implementing the scheme and managing the levy collection could increase administrative burdens and compliance costs for businesses.

Concerns raised by industry representatives, such as the potential impact on employment and competitiveness, highlight the need for careful planning and extensive consultation and local authorities will have to balance the need for increased revenue with the industry’s overall economic health.”

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Storm Bert aborts Pembrokeshire lifeboat in search for missing person

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A major sea search got underway on Sunday evening following reports of a missing person in the sea off Rhossili.

Tenby Lifeboat received a call shortly after 11 pm on Sunday, November 24 from the coastguards, requesting the crew’s assistance.

“The volunteer crew was soon on the water and got to Rhossili in extremely rough seas as a result of Storm Bert,” commented a spokesperson for the Tenby crew

“The crew was requested to search around Worm’s Head using lights and night vision equipment.”

But after searching the coastline for around two hours, the crew was forced to stand down.

“It soon became obvious that the conditions were too rough for the lifeboat to get in close enough to be of any assistance, so with the lifeboat unable to safely provide assistance due to extremely rough seas, the crew stood down.”

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