An FSA spokeswoman confirmed the link to the single, unnamed supplier and said the agency was co-operating with authorities in Europe.
“The Food Standards Agency is working together with all those involved including the European Commission, the Dutch authorities, enforcement authorities and food businesses to investigate traceability issues and make sure the potentially affected products are recalled from sale so consumers are protected,” the spokeswoman told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
Potential threat from salmonella
All UK businesses involved have been made aware of potential threat from salmonella and have taken the appropriate actions, she added. “The Food Standards Agency continues monitoring this recall and will take any further actions if required.”
While some of the products made by the manufacturer in the Netherlands were known to be contaminated with salmonella, investigations were being undertaken to determine whether or not the products that had been distributed to the UK were affected.
No cases of salmonella in the UK have linked the manufacturer and all recent product recalls have been implemented on a precautionary basis.
The four products recalled last week included three products on Friday August 21 and one Wednesday August 19.
FSA view
“The Food Standards Agency is working together with all those involved including the European Commission, the Dutch authorities, enforcement authorities and food businesses to investigate traceability issues and make sure the potentially affected products are recalled from sale so consumers are protected.”
The Friday recalls were: Kelkin Milk Chocolate Wafers ‘free-from’ Gluten, Bakers Delight ‘free-from’ Enjoy Gluten Free Wafer Fingers and Atkins Endulge Chocolate Break Wafers.
Tesco’s free-from Belgium chocolate wafers
The Wednesday recall was Tesco’s free-from Belgium chocolate wafers. The retailer said last week: “Whilst we have no confirmed reports that Tesco products have been contaminated, as a precautionary measure, we are recalling the product.”
Salmonella bacteria are a common cause of food poisoning, according to the NHS Choices website. Symptoms included: diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever.
After swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella, symptoms take, on average, between 12 to 72 hours to develop and usually last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.
Meanwhile, for the latest information on how to avoid a costly food or drink product recall, make a date to attend Food Manufacture Group’s one-day food safety conference at the Lowry in Manchester on Tuesday September 29.
In addition to preventing recalls, a wealth of food safety information will be on offer to delegates. Read the conference programme and booking details here.