The products have been recalled as a precautionary measure, because of concerns over the company’s procedures in place to control Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin can cause a serious form of food poisoning, called botulism, and is potentially fatal.
According to Food Standards Scotland, manufacturing controls that could affect the safety of the products could not be demonstrated satisfactorily by the Ru An Fhoder Smokehouse. No other Ru An Fhoder Smokehouse products are known to be involved.
The products in question are its Scottish Farmed Hot Smoked Salmon and Scottish Farmed Smoked Salmon (cold smoked), both of which have a use-by date of 6 May 2018. Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.
In June 2017, the Food Standards Agency updated its guidance on the safety and shelf-life of vacuum and modified atmosphere packed chilled foods to help assess and minimise the risk of Clostridium botulinum in produce. However, there still exists some confusion between food business operators and enforcement agencies over the issue, especially in regard to guidance for raw meat products. Involved parties did meet earlier this month, with some questions reportedly cleared up, but fears remain over the guidance and the potential impact on export markets.
Meanwhile, ethnic foods brand Manning Impex has recalled its Buenas Grated Coconut due to fears it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product has a 20 February 2019 best-before date and no other Manning Impex products are known to be affected.
Food Safety Conference
Product recalls will be a focus at this year’s Food Manufacture Food Safety Conference. Taking place at etc.venues Maple House in Birmingham on Thursday 21 June. Check out the programme at the Food Safety Conference website and avail of the early-bird offer (until 14 May).