Now its getting colder, have you dug out your hot water bottle? Here are a few things to remember…

As the temperature begins to drop, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is advising people to check their hot water bottles and follow safety guidelines before use this … Continue reading →

Taunton business prosecuted after vape sale to under 18

The owner of a corner shop has been ordered to pay £2,326 after an employee sold a disposable vape to a customer who was under 18. It’s the third prosecution … Continue reading →

Traders reminded to ‘ask for ID’ after another shop owner is fined for selling vapes

The owner of a vapes shop has been ordered to pay fines and costs of £3,550 after he admitted selling vapes to a customer under the age of 18. It’s … Continue reading →

Thousands of pounds worth of illicit tobacco seized in Exmouth

Illegal tobacco products and vapes worth more than £10,000 were discovered by detection dogs and seized by Trading Standards officers during an operation in Exmouth, East Devon, last week. It … Continue reading →

Local shopkeepers urged to ‘ask for ID’ after trader is prosecuted

Businesses are being warned that they are putting their livelihoods at risk by not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods such as vapes, tobacco and alcohol. It follows the … Continue reading →

Spray foam insulation removal scam warning

Trading Standards is warning consumers to be wary of cold callers pressuring them to pay to have spray foam insulation removed – insulation that in many cases was only installed … Continue reading →

Buying beach products this summer? Look at the label…

The summer holidays are here and Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is offering some helpful reminders when you are buying products to help you and your family … Continue reading →

Farmer fined thousands for forging salmonella test results

A Somerset farmer has been ordered to pay more than £50,000 for failing to test chickens and eggs for salmonella before they went into the food chain and for presenting … Continue reading →

Most shops ‘refuse’ to sell vapes to children

An operation by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service (HotSW TS) and supported by Devon and Cornwall Police has found that the majority of Plymouth businesses recently visited … Continue reading →

Guidance given to home-based online pet food suppliers

Home-based online pet food suppliers are being reminded of the importance of ensuring that the products that they sell are legal after 10 were found to be selling products that … Continue reading →