SHIVERING traders at Newton Abbot market had to work in freezing conditions during a temporary breakdown of heating equipment.
Failures in the system left traders freezing for a fortnight at the coldest time of year.
A faulty motor had to be replaced before temperatures were returned to normal.
But, Ben Hosford, Teignbridge chief environmental health officer, said conditions weren't good during the fault.
He said: 'The cold caused a lot of discomfort for traders while it lasted. It was very cold in the market hall.
'If the air conditioning unit had been affected in summer there could have been a problem with food spoiling.
'But that was not the case at this time of year.
'It was all about the discomfort of traders.'
There have also been lighting problems in the butter market which made life difficult too.
Mr Hosford added: 'Lighting is crucial during the shortest days of the year. We found ourselves unable to provide acceptable trading conditions to compliment new regulations which insist traders open six days a week.
'But that has been corrected now.'
Teignbridge district economy overview and scrutiny committee will hear a report at its meeting on Tuesday.