This post was also written by Angela Gregson and Laura-May Scott.
The UK Government has announced that the Groceries Code Adjudicator (“Adjudicator”) will have the power to fine supermarkets if they breach the Groceries Code of Practice (“Code”). After complaints from food manufacturers, farmers and campaigners about the lack of influence the body would have, the Government decided to give the Adjudicator the power to fine. While the Adjudicator may deter Code violations, enforcement is still likely to be hindered by the reluctance of suppliers to complain to the Ombudsmen about supermarkets who may be their largest, or only customers.
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