The OFT apologises to Morrisons for price fixing claims

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has agreed to pay Morrisons £100,000 after admitting it had falsely accused the supermarket chain of price fixing. The settlement was announced today (April 23).

The OFT suggested in a press release last September that the chain had fixed prices on milk, cheese and butter during 2002 and 2003. It also alleged that the supermarket had already been warned for anti-competitive behaviour.

Morrisons and Tesco are still fighting OFT claims relating to allegations about liquid milk products in 2002. Asda, Sainsbury’s and Safeway – prior to being taken over by Morrisons – have already admitted price-fixing during 2002 and 2003.

The OFT says: “The OFT regrets that the press release contained these serious errors and wishes to apologise sincerely to Morrisons for their publication.”

Morrisons says it will give the money to its charity for 2008, a partnership between Help the Aged and Childline.