December 2024
Abandoned vehicles
Environmental Protection Officers have been investigating 199 reports of abandoned vehicles, which has led to a total of 57 vehicles being removed from the public highway. Of those vehicles, 16 were untaxed.
Clampdown on unsafe food
A quantity of unsafe food has been signed over for disposal and removed from the food chain including cans of Mountain Dew containing banned additive Disodium EDTA Acid (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid). Although it is an authorised additive used to preserve food, it is not permitted in flavoured drinks in Great Britain, as it has been linked to developmental issues in animal studies. Also a quantity of mini jelly cups containing banned additive Carrageenan (E407), which is widely used as a food additive in processed foods for its properties as a thickener, gelling agent, emulsifier and stabilizer. It is not permitted to be used in a range of gel-forming compounds, such as jelly cups, to avoid the possibility of 'plugging' the airway and therefore posing a choking hazard.
Both of the above food products were imported from outside of Great Britain (GB). Therefore, their labelling did not comply with GB Food Law.
Clampdown on illegal cigarettes
Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards, along with a sniffer dog handler have seized around £99,500 of illegal cigarettes, from a retail outlet in Wednesbury.
