‘Whopping’ 1.7 Tonnes Of Chips Seized In Multi-Agency Food Safety Crackdown
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
A large-scale food safety operation in Stratford-upon-Avon has resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 1.7 tonnes of ready-cut chips, highlighting ongoing concerns around food handling and compliance within local businesses.
Officers from Warwickshire Police, working alongside environmental health, trading standards and immigration enforcement teams, carried out coordinated inspections across the town. The operation aimed to identify breaches relating to food safety, employment regulations and counterfeit goods.
The most significant finding was a “tater mountain” of approximately 1.71 tonnes of chilled prepared chips, which had been transported in an unrefrigerated vehicle at temperatures well above legal limits. According to Julie Lewis of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, the breach posed a clear risk to public health.
“The entire consignment was voluntarily surrendered by the supplier and destroyed on the same day, preventing any risk to the public,” she said.
Environmental health officers involved in the operation also identified wider issues relating to hygiene, waste management and workplace safety, leading to further seizures of incorrectly stored food products.
Beyond food safety, the joint enforcement activity uncovered additional concerns. Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, while trading standards officers investigated potential counterfeit goods and breaches of fair trading regulations. Immigration enforcement teams also carried out checks on right-to-work compliance.
Police described the initiative as a “coordinated effort to keep things safe, fair, and running smoothly”, emphasising that the operation was not solely focused on enforcement. Businesses were also offered guidance and support to help improve compliance.
The action underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards across the food supply chain, particularly in areas such as temperature control and transportation—critical factors in safeguarding both product integrity and consumer safety.
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