Putrid meat was being sold to customers at a greengrocers that has now been shut down.

On December 17 disgusted inspectors seized approximately 170kg of rotten meat from 777 Grocers at 295 High Road, Leyton.

The produce had gone off after a freezer broke down yet was still being offered for sale to unsuspecting customers.

When officers opened the packaging they were hit with a strong stench of putrefaction.

The food was seized and on December 20 Thames Magistrates’ Court ordered that it be condemned and destroyed so it posed no danger to health.

Costs of £1780.00 were awarded to Waltham Forest Council.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Over Christmas and New Year, many people will have enjoyed celebrating the season with friends, family and loved ones.

" Imagine how much your holiday would have been ruined with a serious case of food poisoning, as that is what may have awaited customers of this business had officers not taken action.

“It’s almost unbelievable that we still have cases where a business serving food has rotten meat offered for sale.

"It should be obvious that this is totally unacceptable.

"When we find dangerous, unclean premises we will press for the maximum penalties, and we will make sure we name and shame the culprits so that shoppers can make an informed decision about where it is safe to buy and eat food.”