A MEAT wholesale company which supplies businesses around the south has pleaded not guilty to a series of offences under the Food Safety Act.

County Foods Ltd, based in Willis Way, Poole, and managing director Doron Krips, of Greenwood Avenue, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court last week.

Krips, 56, and his company are each facing five counts.

Prosecutors allege sirloin steaks and minced lamb were 'not of the quality demanded by the purchaser'.

In addition, it is claimed that the presentation of chicken and Angus burgers were likely to mislead a consumer.

Not guilty pleas have been entered to all charges. A case management hearing will take place in September.

County Foods Ltd is a family run catering butchers which supplies a range of businesses, including care homes, hotels and restaurants.

The company has been running for 15 years and employs 90 people. It supplies more than 500 customers across the south west.