Surya Foods: Rodent infestation problem originated in Netherlands

By Elaine Watson

- Last updated on GMT

Surya Foods: Rodent infestation problem originated in Netherlands
The firm involved in a recent rodent-related product recall says the problem has been traced back to a single supplier in the Netherlands and did not originate in its own UK facilities.

Surya Foods this month recalled ​500g packs (all date codes) of Island Sun Semolina from Tesco “due to potential contamination as a result of rodent infestation​” as a precautionary measure after a customer complaint.

Alex Mwewa, who co-ordinates the company’s relationships with the multiples, told FoodManufacture.co.uk that the product was not one of its major product lines and was only supplied to selected Tesco stores.

He added: “The product is from Spain or Portugal and then packed and re-sold. Our supplier is in the Netherlands and this is the only product that we buy from them. The problem was claimed to be droppings. A customer complained to Tesco and the local Environmental Health Officer was informed."

Harwich-based Surya Foods, which operates rice mills in India and Pakistan and has four UK sites in Harwich, Grimsby, Wembley and Birmingham, is a leading supplier of ethnic foods to Tesco and Asda with a turnover of more than £100m.

Its 2,000-strong range includes Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Oriental and Polish products.

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