Two branches of the Belgique cafe chain put customers’ health at risk by selling re-packaged, out-of-date food.

Inspectors who visited the cafes in Epping and Theydon Bois discovered meat, fish and cheese on the premises that had been re-wrapped by staff, who had then applied a hand written label with dates beyond the manufacturer’s best before or use-by recommendations.

Some products were identified as being re-wrapped more than once.

Epping Belgique previously faced court action when officers seized food in February 2010. 

Cheeses, cured and cooked meats and smoked salmon were seized at the Epping and Theydon Bois branches for not meeting hygiene requirements.

Both cafes have since complied with the notices and introduced required improvements.

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday