Tesco denies ban on French produce
21 October 1999
Tesco denies ban on French produce
By FWi staff
TESCO has completely denied reports that it is about to introduce a ban on French produce in retaliation to the French ban on British beef.
There had been intense industry speculation that the supermarket giant was about to announce the removal of French apples and pears from its shelves.
Initially Tesco refused to deny these reports, fuelling speculation that an announcement was imminent.
But later a spokeswoman said the store had no plans whatsoever to withdraw any French produce.
Smaller chain Budgens announced earlier this week that it was banning French apples and pears, and called for other supermarkets to follow its example.
France is implementing a unilateral ban on British beef, despite the BSE ban being lifted in August.