Haggis Products Recalled Over Bacteria Concern

15 July 2017, 08:25 | Updated: 15 July 2017, 08:32

A haggis company is recalling various products due to inadequate procedures to control bacteria that may cause serious food poisoning.

 Food Standards Scotland (FSS) issued a Product Recall Information Notice for Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd on Friday.

It said the business is ''acting responsibly'' in voluntarily recalling various products due to inadequate procedures to control Clostridium botulinum, which may cause botulism.

FSS said Clostridium botulinum has not been detected in products and the company is taking action purely as a precautionary measure at this stage.

The haggis affected includes Macsween of Edinburgh products and some made for Marks and Spencer, Donald & Sons and Warren and Sons.

FSS advised people not to eat any of the items and to return them to the store where they were bought.

An FSS spokesman said: ''Food Standards Scotland has today issued a Product Recall Information Notice for Macsween of Edinburgh Ltd. The food business is acting responsibly and are voluntarily recalling various products due to inadequate procedures to control Clostridium botulinum.

''We will continue to work with the food business and relevant enforcement authorities.

''Clostridium botulinum has not been detected in products and the action taken by the company is purely a precautionary measure at this stage.

''Clostridium botulinum may cause a serious form of food poisoning called botulism and our advice to consumers is to not eat the product and return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.''

A Macsween spokesman said: "The quality and safety of our products is of paramount importance to us, so we have taken the decision to undertake a precautionary and voluntary recall of selected products.

"As part of our regular testing, we identified that some of the water content in our products was not to the stringent levels we adhere to. The company takes this matter very seriously and all steps have been taken to remove products from the supply chain promptly and efficiently.

"After fully investigating, we have immediately put in place additional measures to ensure that the issue is addressed. This includes additional water and salt metering, recipe recalibration, refreshed staff training and additional testing both in-house and independently.

"The products pose no risk to consumer safety if cooked properly, in accordance with the on-pack guidelines.

"We are satisfied that the issue has been resolved and that our products are of the highest quality and taste possible. We have acted quickly and responsibly to address the situation and ensure only the best products are in market for our consumers to enjoy."