CRIMINAL charges brought against the owners of the shop at the centre of an inquiry into one of Britain's worst food poisoning outbreaks have been dropped.

The decision to discontinue the case against the owners of Robson Fresh Foods makes it unlikely that anyone will face criminal prosecution in connection with the salmonella outbreak that affected more than 100 people in Stanley, County Durham, in 2004.

In August last year, environmental health officers from Derwentside District Council brought five charges each against shop owners Mark and Michelle Robson, both from Stanley.

The allegations included breaches of food safety legislation, including selling food unfit for human consumption, and exposing staff in their employment to health and safety risks.

They were due to appear at Durham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, but the case was withdrawn at the request of the council, bringing an end to a two-year inquiry that cost the authority £10,000.

But 30-year-old Miss Robson has agreed in principle to accept a caution for a technical breach of health and safety rules, although it has yet to be formally issued.

The magistrates agreed to a request to make a defendants' costs order, meaning the council will have to foot Mr and Mrs Robson's legal bill.

Ailsa Adamson, spokeswoman for the Robsons' solicitors, Berryman Lace Mawer, said the council carried out extensive investigations, including thorough testing of the shop, but found no evidence of salmonella contamination.

The outbreak, which began in late July 2004, led to people aged from three to 82 becoming infected over the following month, including guests at a wedding reception and a birthday party, plus local cricket club players and match umpires.

Robson Fresh Foods' premises were closed after a prohibition order was issued within days of the first case being reported.

A subsequent report, published in November 2004 by the Outbreak Emergency Team, concluded that the exact source of infection would never be known.

It found no evidence of the salmonella bug on the premises and accepted staff hygiene practices had not been at fault.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "Prior to the case going to court, we have reached a settlement.

"It was a lengthy investigation and it is a credit to the environmental health officers.

"It was pointless taking them to court, and this is the most sensible thing to do."