Latest news with #FoodStandardsScotland
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Shoppers urged to check eggs for one small detail to avoid risk of salmonella
Shoppers are being urged to look out for one small detail on their egg cartons to avoid the risk of salmonella, particularly if they are eating them raw or lightly cooked Eggs are a must-have in the weekly grocery haul, versatile enough for a quick scramble or fry-up to crafting elaborate soufflés, bakes or puddings. However, consumers are being urged to check their eggs for a crucial detail to sidestep the threat of salmonella, particularly if they're keen on consuming them raw or undercooked. The vital tip is to scout for the red British Lion symbol, which adorns over 90% of eggs retailed in the UK. highlights that this emblem signifies inclusion in the British Lion scheme, hailed as one of the nation's top food safety initiatives. Eggs bearing this mark come from hens immunised against salmonella. The entire journey of these eggs, from farmyard to store shelf, adheres to stringent safety protocols as part of the British Lion Code of Practice. This code guarantees traceability, cleanliness, and security at each phase. Since its inception in 1998, the scheme has seen the sale of more than 200 billion British Lion eggs, and it has "drastically reduced" the incidence of salmonella in UK eggs, reports the Express. Food Standards Scotland advises that at-risk groups such as little ones, expectant mothers, and the elderly can confidently eat raw or gently cooked hen eggs, provided they bear the British Lion stamp or originate from the Laid in Britain scheme. The agency's official information states: "People in these groups can eat raw or lightly cooked UK hen eggs or foods containing them as long as the eggs are produced under the Lion Code with a British Lion mark or under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme." These instructions apply to delectable options like mayonnaise, soufflés and tiramisu. Yet, if eggs do not fall within these certified schemes, or if there is any uncertainty, it is recommended that they be fully cooked, particularly for those who are more susceptible. Food Standards Scotland has also issued caution, advising against consuming eggs beyond their best before date, typically a maximum of 28 days post-laying, due to escalating risk of bacterial contamination. Beyond this time frame, the chances of bacterial growth climb significantly. It's crucial to note that the British Lion accreditation applies solely to hen eggs. The guidance specifies that duck, goose, or quail eggs, which are known for higher salmonella risks, should never be eaten raw or lightly cooked and require thorough cooking. British Lion-branded eggs are widely stocked across key retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and Waitrose.
Sky News
6 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Fraudster conned luxury hotels and retailers out of £580k by selling fake Scottish tea
A man has been found guilty of fraud totalling almost £600,000 after he passed off ordinary tea as a premium product grown in Scotland. Thomas Robinson, 52, claimed the tea was a unique variety he had grown at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques. Operating as The Wee Tea Plantation, he then fraudulently sold it to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector, including luxury hotels and retailers, between January 2014 and February 2019. Varieties listed on the website - which touted partnerships with train operator Caledonian Sleeper and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh - include Dalreoch White, Silver Needles, Scottish Antlers Tea, and Highland Green. Also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, Robinson was found to have misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants he falsely claimed were a unique, locally-grown variety. He also bolstered his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. An investigation by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) found Robinson's misrepresentations led to his clients losing a total of £584,783. He was found guilty of two counts of fraud by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, and is due to be sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court on 25 June. In a statement, Ron McNaughton, head of Scottish food crime and incidents unit at FSS, said: "This was not a victimless crime - individuals, businesses, and an emerging sector of genuine Scottish tea growers suffered real financial and reputational harm as a result of deliberate deception." He then thanked a witness who came forward and added: "Fraud of this nature is often difficult to detect and even harder to prove, but we were determined to pursue every line of inquiry to build the strongest possible case."
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Man who sold ordinary tea as unique Scottish variety found guilty of fraud
A man who passed off ordinary tea as a unique, Scottish-grown variety and sold it to luxury hotels and retailers has been found guilty of fraud. Thomas Robinson, 52, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was sourced from wholesalers outside Scotland. Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. In addition, Robinson, who is also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. He also bolstered his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. An investigation by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) found Robinson's misrepresentations led to his clients losing a total of £584,783. Robinson was found guilty of two counts of fraud by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday. Ron McNaughton, head of Scottish food crime and incidents unit at FSS, welcomed the verdict. 'This was not a victimless crime – individuals, businesses, and an emerging sector of genuine Scottish tea growers suffered real financial and reputational harm as a result of deliberate deception. 'I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation – their co-operation was essential to achieving this outcome. 'It's a strong example of how partnership working and the dedication and skill of our investigative teams make it increasingly difficult for those committing food fraud to go undetected. 'We remain committed to protecting Scotland's food and drink sector from criminal activity and maintaining consumer trust.' He added that the FSS investigation had been 'highly complex and protracted', requiring co-ordination with 'partner agencies'. He continued: 'Fraud of this nature is often difficult to detect and even harder to prove, but we were determined to pursue every line of inquiry to build the strongest possible case.' Robinson is due to be sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court on June 25.
South Wales Guardian
7 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Man who sold ordinary tea as unique Scottish variety found guilty of fraud
Thomas Robinson, 52, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was sourced from wholesalers outside Scotland. Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. In addition, Robinson, who is also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. Thomas Robinson was found guilty of fraud totalling nearly £600,000 following an investigation by the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit. He defrauded luxury hotels and retailers by falsely claiming to supply premium tea grown in Scotland. Read more at — Food Standards Scotland (@FSScot) May 29, 2025 He also bolstered his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. An investigation by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) found Robinson's misrepresentations led to his clients losing a total of £584,783. Robinson was found guilty of two counts of fraud by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday. Ron McNaughton, head of Scottish food crime and incidents unit at FSS, welcomed the verdict. 'This was not a victimless crime – individuals, businesses, and an emerging sector of genuine Scottish tea growers suffered real financial and reputational harm as a result of deliberate deception. 'I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation – their co-operation was essential to achieving this outcome. 'It's a strong example of how partnership working and the dedication and skill of our investigative teams make it increasingly difficult for those committing food fraud to go undetected. 'We remain committed to protecting Scotland's food and drink sector from criminal activity and maintaining consumer trust.' He added that the FSS investigation had been 'highly complex and protracted', requiring co-ordination with 'partner agencies'. He continued: 'Fraud of this nature is often difficult to detect and even harder to prove, but we were determined to pursue every line of inquiry to build the strongest possible case.' Robinson is due to be sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court on June 25.
Rhyl Journal
7 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Man who sold ordinary tea as unique Scottish variety found guilty of fraud
Thomas Robinson, 52, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was sourced from wholesalers outside Scotland. Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. In addition, Robinson, who is also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. Thomas Robinson was found guilty of fraud totalling nearly £600,000 following an investigation by the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit. He defrauded luxury hotels and retailers by falsely claiming to supply premium tea grown in Scotland. Read more at — Food Standards Scotland (@FSScot) May 29, 2025 He also bolstered his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. An investigation by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) found Robinson's misrepresentations led to his clients losing a total of £584,783. Robinson was found guilty of two counts of fraud by a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday. Ron McNaughton, head of Scottish food crime and incidents unit at FSS, welcomed the verdict. 'This was not a victimless crime – individuals, businesses, and an emerging sector of genuine Scottish tea growers suffered real financial and reputational harm as a result of deliberate deception. 'I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation – their co-operation was essential to achieving this outcome. 'It's a strong example of how partnership working and the dedication and skill of our investigative teams make it increasingly difficult for those committing food fraud to go undetected. 'We remain committed to protecting Scotland's food and drink sector from criminal activity and maintaining consumer trust.' He added that the FSS investigation had been 'highly complex and protracted', requiring co-ordination with 'partner agencies'. He continued: 'Fraud of this nature is often difficult to detect and even harder to prove, but we were determined to pursue every line of inquiry to build the strongest possible case.' Robinson is due to be sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court on June 25.
