判决理由
Food safety offences are strict liability. The presence of extraneous matter (a caterpillar in a tin of peas) constitutes an offence regardless of the manufacturer's care, subject to the statutory defences.
事实
A consumer found a caterpillar in a tin of peas manufactured by Smedleys. The company was prosecuted despite having extensive quality control procedures.
判决摘要
The House of Lords held that the offence was committed regardless of the company's care. However, the statutory defence was available where all reasonable precautions had been taken.
关键引述
"The Act imposes strict liability for food safety offences, subject to the statutory defences."
— Lord Hailsham
后续处理
Applied
Applied in subsequent food contamination prosecutions.