Warning over bogus fines letter

The letters claim to be from the Food Standards Agency

Businesses are being targeted with bogus letters demanding payment for breaches of food safety, warns a council.

Officials in Powys have urged food firms in the county to be vigilant in light of the scam, which demands they hand over £1,000 in fines.

The letters claim to be from the Food Standards Agency.

But the council said breaches of hygiene were dealt with by local authorities.

Councillor Graham Brown, who is responsible for public protection on Powys council, said: "The Food Standards Agency is not the national enforcement authority for food law and would not be sending any such letters demanding payment.

"Any breaches of food hygiene and food labelling would be dealt with by local authorities.

"If a food business receives any such letters claiming to be from the Food Standards Agency, they should not send any money and instead report the letter to their local police."