Booths store in listeria probe

The firm also faces charges involving the sale of shell fish such as mussels and oysters.

The company, which has outlets throughout the North West, also face charges relating to food labelling and food shelf life.

The 22 charges all relate to the firm’s Lytham store based in the town’s Haven Road.

The prosecution is being brought against E.H. Booths by Fylde Borough Council.

The first hearing of the case took place yesterday at Blackpool Magistrates Court.

Booths - whose headquarters are on Longridge Road, Preston - successfully asked for an adjournment of the case.

The listeria charge relates to cooked ox tongue on sale at Lytham.

The listeria virus can cause serious illness in humans when eaten.

Booths is also charged with failing to implement safety procedures in relation to food shelf life and the need for daily changing of labels in the delicatessen.

A further charge relates to Polish meat, sunblushed tomatoes, pesto and cous cous.

Booths are also charged in relation to pate sold at the store.

More allegations involve seafood salad, fresh and smoked fish and shellfish – mussels, cockles and oysters.

The case will next be heard in January.

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