Cadbury to face prosecution over salmonella outbreak

Cadbury Schweppes will face prosecution by the Birmingham City Council for last year’s salmonella outbreak over its alleged failure to immediately inform authorities about the contamination.

The outbreak, which happened in June last year forced the confectionery giant to recall a million chocolate bars. A leaking pipe was blamed for the incident.

The Council will prosecute the confectionery giant in relation to three alleged offences, each carrying a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine and/or two years imprisonment. Cadbury has also been accused of placing “unsafe” chocolate products on the market.

It has been summoned to appear before Birmingham magistrates on June 15.

A second investigation by Herefordshire Council into possible environmental health breaches at a factory in Marlbrook is ongoing.