NURSING homes and schools are being short-changed by food suppliers, according to a survey by Trading Standards officers in Worcestershire.

A recent survey across the county found that 32 per cent of businesses visited - including schools, nursing homes, hotels and other catering establishments - had been delivered short-weight goods by their suppliers.

Officers visited 57 premises and checked 641 items.

Some deliveries weighed as much as 50 per cent less than they should have done, including a 2kg pack of fresh salmon fillet which was declared as 4kg and 1kg of gammon which was invoiced as 2kg. Another caterer was charged for 32kg of pork leg joints when the actual weight delivered was only 28kg.

In some cases, suppliers claimed the declared invoice weights were those prior to de-boning and dressing the product. However, this was not made clear on invoices or in negotiations with the establishments buying the goods.

It is an offence under the Weights and Measures Act 1985 to give short weight and suppliers can be fined up to £5,000. Trading Standards officers are asking caterers to be vigilant and report suspect deliveries to them.

Investigations have been conducted against the businesses that were found to have delivered short weight, resulting in written warnings and trader advice.

Councillor Derek Prodger, council cabinet member for the environment, said: "With a third of premises receiving short weight, the results are very worrying.

"It is an area where customers may have difficulties protecting themselves and firms may not have the right equipment to check. This project demonstrates the key role of the Trading Standards service in protecting businesses."