Food Alerts
Occasionally it is necessary for a food product to be withdrawn from sale due to a problem that means it should not be sold. This is referred to as a 'recalled' product when customers are asked to return the product, or 'withdrawn' when it should be taken off the shelves.
This section keeps up to date with the latest Food Alerts issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or Department of Health relevant to the convenience industry.
For a full listing of the latest Food Alerts by the FSA click here.
FSA 22/07/2009
Heinz recalls a certain batch and date code of Heinz Mum’s Own Spaghetti Bolognese (7 Months+) Baby Food due to possible contamination with small pieces of plastic
Ref: 24/2009
The public will wish to be aware that Heinz are recalling a certain batch and date code of Heinz Mum’s Own Recipe Spaghetti Bolognese (7 months +) baby food due to possible contamination with small pieces of plastic which could present a choking hazard.
The implicated product mentioned below is being recalled. Product recall notices will appear in national press as of Thursday 23rd July. Point of sale notices will also be displayed in those stores which stocked the affected product. These notices alert customers to the recall and advise them of what actions to take if they have purchased the product. A copy of the product recall notice can be viewed below.
The product recalled is:
Heinz Mum’s Own Spaghetti Bolognese (7 months +)Glass jar, 200g
Batch code: 9136 (found on top of the cap)
Best before: 11/2010 (found on side of the cap)
FSA 17/08/09
Shutki Raja Chutney Powder produced on unregistered (or unapproved) premises
Ref: 26/2009
The public will wish to be aware that a composite fish product described as ‘Shutki Raja Chutney Powder’ has been identified to have been produced on premises unknown to the originating local authority.
The Shutki Raja Chutney Powder was previously manufactured in the UK by Naga Raja Ltd. 15, Argall Avenue, London E10 7QE.
Despite enquiries by officers in London Boroughs, it has not been possible to obtain full distribution details or product traceability records, as the company no longer trades; however, distribution is believed to be restricted to the London area. This product appears to be distributed through direct van sales, to food business operators who sell predominantly ethnic food products.
Identification of the product:The Shutki Raja Chutney Powder is believed to be sold in large (175g) and small (87.5g) clear glass jars with a white lid and an orange/yellow label. The wording 'SHUTKI RAJA Shutki Chutney Powder' (incorporating the initials K&S at either end of the label) is boldly printed on the label with a best before date code of September 2009.
To assist Local Authorities in correct identification of these products, pictures can be viewed below.
Actions to be taken by local authorities:As these composite fish-based products were manufactured on unregistered premises (or unapproved premises) they do not comply with the requirements of Regulation EC 852/2004 (or Regulation EC 853/2004) and the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.
If any of these products are found during routine inspections, enforcement officers should ensure that they are withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990 and regulation 27 of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006. In the event of local authorities finding significant quantities of this product, they are requested to inform the Agency immediately and provide details of the consignment.
It is essential that all non-unitary authorities liaise at county level to ensure that they co-ordinate their actions.
Click here to view images of the product.