OFT wants evidence of superstore breaches

The Office of Fair Trading has invited the NFU to submit evidence of alleged breaches of the Supermarket Code of Practice experienced by its members.

The invitation forms part of the OFT”s continued monitoring of the code in the wake of its recently published compliance audit report.

“The OFT has now left the door ajar for us, and it is important that members grab this chance to come forward with their experiences and views,” said Terry Jones, head of the NFU’s food chain unit.

Mr Jones said submissions from members would be treated on a confidential basis if required, but added that their evidence would carry more weight if they chose to come forward.

A consultation document has been sent out to members. Deadline for submission by members to NFU headquarters is May 16. Evidence will then be compiled and sent to the OFT by May 31.