판결 이유
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.
사실관계
A consumer found a caterpillar in a tin of peas manufactured by Smedleys. The company was prosecuted despite having extensive quality control procedures.
판결 요약
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.
주요 인용문
"The Act imposes strict liability for food safety offences, subject to the statutory defences."
— Lord Hailsham
후속 처리
Applied
Applied in subsequent food contamination prosecutions.