Beware of door-to-door fish sales

Shropshire Council’s public protection team have recently received a number of complaints regarding door-to-door sales of fish in the Shrewsbury area. 

Reports indicate that two or three men in white coats are knocking on domestic and business premise doors selling fish, allegedly from Whitby, from a hired Transit-type van.  Whilst there are legitimate food sellers operating in Shropshire, there are many dangers in buying from this type of seller, and the consumer should be aware of the following:

• They are likely to be unregistered and may not operate to the hygiene standards expected of food businesses that are inspected by Food Safety Officers.  Ask the sellers for their business details and any returns policies in line with your statutory rights.
• The source of their fish may not be known, and whether it has been prepared and stored to make sure it is fit for human consumption may not be known either.
• It may have been previously frozen, rather than fresh.
• The fish that is being sold may be misdescribed; often cheaper species of fish are used to substitute more expensive species.
• You may not get the weight or quantities that you paid for.
• You may be forced to buy more that you wanted.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member, said:-

“If any salesperson comes to your door, we’d suggest you take sensible precautions. We are asking the public to follow these steps to ensure that the food they buy is safe and is of suitable quality.”

To report any sightings or any suspicious activity in Shropshire call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, or for any further information please contact the public protection team on 0345 678 9000.