OFT right to tackle supermarket dodgy dealing

10.05.58am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 28th Apr 2008

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has alleged tobacco firms and supermarkets have been engaged in unlawful practices linked to retail prices for tobacco. The OFT names 11 retailers, including Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco, and tobacco firms Imperial Tobacco and Gallaher. One allegation is that retailers and tobacco groups arranged to swap information on future pricing.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Sarah Teather said "This is welcome proof that the OFT is continuing to use its powers to hold Britain's largest companies to account. The surge in global food prices is already making it tough enough for British shoppers, without dodgy dealing from the big supermarkets adding to their misery. This should send a clear message to the supermarkets to clean up their act."