Product recall by Lidl UK GmbH and ASDA Stores Ltd of brands of canned hot dog sausages
Friday 21 December 2001
Food Hazard Warning: Category C: 'Action as deemed necessary'.
To be passed without delay to the principal officer for food safety.
Ref: 52/2001 Date: 21 December 2001
To: Heads of Environmental Health Services via Principal Officer (Food Safety)
Copy to : Directors of Trading Standards For information only
Please copy to all Local Authority Officers with a possible interest.
PRODUCT RECALL BY LIDL UK GmbH AND ASDA STORES LTD OF BRANDS OF CANNED HOT DOG SAUSAGES
Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware of product recalls by Lidl UK GmbH and ASDA Stores Ltd of brands of canned hot dog sausages produced by the same manufacturer (Struik Food Group) in the Netherlands.
Microbiological examination of suspect cans sold by both companies has revealed bacterial growth. In addition, customer complaints have been received by both companies. Although there are no known complaints alleging illness following consumption of either Lidl's or ASDA's affected hot dog sausages, complaint descriptions include cans exploding on opening, and the contents fizzing and smelling foul, causing consumers to reject the product. In addition, some complainants allege physical injury on opening the Lidl cans; these are different from ASDA's in that they are of the ring pull type. The details of the products involved are as follows.
Products Recalled by Lidl
Product Name: Dulano Hot Dog Sausages and Chira Hot Dog Sausages
Batch Codes: All batches with a best before date of Sept 2004
Description and Size of Packaging: 400g can
Product Recalled by ASDA
Product Name: Smart Price Hot Dog Sausages
Batch Codes: All batches with a best before date of Sept 2003
Description and Size of Packaging: 400g can
Action taken by Lidl and ASDA
Lidl: Has displayed store notices and is placing press adverts as attached in the national media.
Asda: Has issued a news release as attached and is placing press adverts in the national media.
Press Advert Issued by Lidl UK
'CUSTOMER RETURN NOTICE
TINNED HOT DOG SAUSAGES 400g
Due to Lidl¿s commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality, we have taken the precautionary measure of recalling the above product with the following date code:
BB SEPT 2004
Only the above date code is affected.
This is due to a supplier problem.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE ABOVE PRODUCT PLEASE RETURN IT TO THE STORE FOR A FULL REFUND
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
We would like to thank customers in advance for your understanding and co-operation.
Customer Helpline: 0870 4441234'
'News Release by ASDA
PRODUCT RECALL
ASDA
'SMART PRICE' HOT DOG SAUSAGE CANS
PRICE 19P, WEIGHT 400G
BEST BEFORE DATE SEPTEMBER 2003
Despite rigorous quality procedures, there is a possibility that the seams on cans of ASDA Smart Price Hot Dogs (400g) with a best before date of September 2003 may not be effective, leading to a small risk of bacterial spoilage.
Even if some spoilage has taken place, the risk of illness from eating the hot dogs is very low.
However, as a precautionary measure, ASDA is asking all customers to return Smart Price Hot Dogs with a best before date of September 2003 to their nearest store for a full refund and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
No other Smart Price hot dogs, including those currently on sale in our stores, are affected by this recall.'
Action taken by the Food Standards Agency:
As the product is manufactured in the Netherlands, the FSA has notified the Dutch authorities through the Rapid Alert System for Foodstuffs. In addition, a press statement will today be placed on the FSA website.
Action to be taken by local authorities: Given the nature of the problem, and that this type of product is likely to remain for long periods in consumers homes between purchase and consumption, further local publicity may assist in preventing consumers eating any affected product they may have.
Local authorities are, therefore, asked to consider providing publicity at the next available opportunity to this issue locally, and for that purpose may wish to use the FSA's statement as a guide as to what to say in any local news release. Such action may be particularly useful if you have a Lidl or Asda store in your area.
Additional Information:
The Home Authority for Lidl UK GmbH is the London Borough of Merton, and the officer dealing with this issue is Graham Till, who can be contacted on 0208 545 3036.
The Home Authority for Asda Stores Ltd is Leeds City Council, and the officer dealing with this issue is Andy Singleton, who can be contacted on 0113 247 6284.