Dairy products tainted with cleaning fluid

Trewithen Dairy is recalling some milk and cream products after discovering they had been tainted by a small amount of cleaning fluid.

In a statement issued by the company, which is based at Greymare Farm, Lostwithiel in Cornwall, founder and md Bill Clarke said: “We have become aware that there has been an unfortunate error at one of our farms and a small amount of cleaning product has entered an amount of our product range.

“Products affected are whole, semi and skimmed milk dated August 25 and August 26. Also liquid cream and clotted cream dated August 26 and August 27.

‘Not aware of any danger’

“We are not aware of any danger to health due to the vast dilution of the liquid. However, we are taking all possible steps and precautions and have reacted immediately with an instant withdrawal and replacement for products that may have been affected.”

Clarke said that the company’s traceability systems were robust enough to trace the affected products back to the customers that had received them.

He stressed that the relevant environmental health officer and the Food Standards Agency had been informed and were supporting the action being taken.

Replacement

Members of the public who had bought recalled products and would like a replacement should return them to their retailer, which would immediately be able to oblige, he urged.

“We apologise profusely for this unfortunate error and can confirm that this issue applies only to the products stated above,” said Clarke. “Our yoghurt, butter, crème fraiche and buttermilk are not affected.”

Trewithen Dairy is a family concern with more than 100 staff, which began selling products in 1994. The Clarkes sold their dairy herd in 2001 to concentrate on production and recently saw sons Francis and George join the business. They supply customers ranging from restaurants and hotels to local stores.