Veterinary medicines in Natural Choice Pure Clear Honey

Wednesday 26 October 2005

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 64/2005 (63/2005 Scotland)

A product recall has been issued by the distributor Morris & Sons Ltd following the detection of chloramphenicol and sulphonamide residues in Natural Choice Brand Pure Clear Honey.

Chloramphenicol is considered a potential carcinogen that can also cause aplastic anemia in susceptible people. Exposure to chloramphenicol in food in any quantity is undesirable but the level of risk will depend on the amount consumed and how frequently. Its presence in honey is illegal. It has been banned by Europe for use on animals since 1994. The presence of sulphonamide in honey is also illegal.

The honey has been adulterated with invert syrup, and is reported to have an odd taste, and as such is being considered a counterfeit product.

Description of the product
Brand Name: Natural Choice
Product Name: Pure Clear Honey
Batch Code: L2043A
Pack Size: 908g/2lb jar
'Best before' date : Jan 07
Country of Origin: Unknown

Morris & Sons Ltd has undertaken a full product recall of the affected product. Point of sale notices have been issued to their customers for display in stores to notify the public of the recall.

Identification of the product:
This brand of honey is packaged in a glass jar with a gold screw top lid. On the front of the jar is a label, which is yellow in colour with a honeycomb effect background. The words �Natural Choice� are in black lettering at the top of the label, beneath this are the words �Pure Clear Honey� in blue lettering and then in small case are the words �A delicate blend of the worlds finest honey�. At the bottom of the label the jar size is printed � 908g 2lb e�.

To assist local authorities in correct identification of this product, pictures can be viewed from the links at the end of this page.

Action to be taken by local authorities:
This product has been sold through smaller retailers and cash and carry stores as well as direct sale to consumers. Customers will have already been alerted through the distributor of the problem and affected products removed from sale. However, there is still the possibility that the product will still be available for sale via cash and carry customers.

If during routine inspections enforcement officers should find this product they should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale, if necessary using the powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.