A COURT case which saw Morrisons accused of selling more than a dozen out of date foods at one of its supermarkets has been discontinued.

The Bradford company was being prosecuted by Trading Standards over allegations of food safety and hygiene contravention at its Preston store - and had been due to go on trial after denying the charges.

But now it has emerged that both charges, which date back to two visits in December 2017, have been dropped.

They were over one packet of mushroom pate, which was said to be seven days out of date; a portion of sushi and a Greek yoghurt, which were said to be five days out of date; as well as a packet of Bernard Matthews sweet chilli turkey pieces and a carton of white chocolate flavoured milk, both said to be three days out of date.

In addition the allegations included nine tubs of Cadbury's Caramel Pots of Joy, which were said to be two days out of date; as well as a pork and stuffing sandwich and Muller Corner yoghurt, both said to be one day out of date.

The charges were brought against WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC, which is headquartered at Gain Lane in Bradford.

At a hearing in February 2019, the firm had pleaded not guilty to both charges and elected a trial at magistrates court. The case was heard at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on January 19, when the charges were discontinued.

When contacted by the Telegraph & Argus, a spokesman for Morrisons said they would not be commenting on the matter.

Trading Standards has confirmed that the case was discontinued as it was no longer in the public interest to continue with the prosecution due to the length of time that had passed.

They added that there had been delays in the case progressing through court, some of which was down to the Covid-19 pandemic.