ENVIRONMENTAL health officers launched an investigation at Tesco in Worcester after a customer reported seeing staff using a spray cleaner on lights above unprotected fresh food at the Warndon store.

The customer, who lives near the store and regularly shops there, was horrified to see staff on ladders yesterday using a stainless steel cleaner which he said was falling on the food below.

The man, who does not wish to be named, said other Tesco staff - including a manager - were in the same area of the store watching the cleaning going on.

“I just could not believe it. They were spraying stainless steel cleaner on the lights right above the mushrooms. They should not be cleaning lights above food.

"Someone who appeared to be the fresh food manager was in the aisle and there were three other Tesco workers in the aisle watching it,” he said.

The man complained to Tesco and to Worcester City Council environmental health department which is investigating the incident.

Environmental health manager Martin Gillies confirmed they were investigating and said one of their food officers had been sent to the store.

“A food officer is investigating. If the officer thinks it has led to contamination of the food, we may require the goods in that area to be disposed of.”

He said there was also a health and safety issue if fluid was being used on an electrical fitting.

He added there was a chance Tesco had been doing this sort of practice for some time but the potential contamination and health and safety issues had only just come to light because of the customer’s diligence.

“We would like to thank the complainant for bringing it to our attention. He can be sure it will be investigated thoroughly,” said Mr Gillies.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said: “We would like to reassure customers that all the products in this area have been destroyed and environmental health are happy with this course of action. We will of course be re-training the staff members involved.”