2026-FOI-011
30/07/2026
Dear [redacted information]
REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 (FOISA)
Thank you for your request dated 27/07/2026 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).
Please find below our responses in bold to the questions outlined in your request.
1. The number of complaints received regarding supermarkets selling food past its use-by date (2025 to date).
We hold data on consumer enquiries, rather than complaints. We have one enquiry dated 27/08/2025 in relation to supermarkets selling food past its use-by date.
2. Any available summary data on:
- Company/organisation names involved: Sainsbury and Lidl
- Local authority areas: City of Edinburgh
- Refinement of complaint type (if possible): Vegetables and dairy products
3. If the department does not hold this data, could you advise which official body or local authority holds these referral records?
As noted above, we hold data on general consumer enquiries, rather than complaints. For further information on complaints data in this area, you may wish to contact Advice Direct Scotland.
Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by writing to;
Sam Ghibaldan,
Chief Executive
Consumer Scotland
Thistle House,
91 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh,
EH12 5HD
Or by email to: corporateservices@consumer.scot
Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 40 working days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review in accordance with FOISA as soon as possible, and not later than 20 working days from the day following the date we receive your review request.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner. More detailed information on your appeal rights is available on the Commissioner’s website at:
https://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Unhappywiththeresponse/AppealingtoCommissioner.aspx
Yours sincerely
[redacted information]
Data Protection Officer
Consumer Scotland