MacSween recalls haggis products over '˜botulism fears'

Some of the products recalled by MacSween of Edinburgh. Picture: Phil Wilkinson/TSPL

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.

A MacSween spokesman said that quality and safety of the firm's products were of 'paramount importance'. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

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.”

LIST OF PRODUCTS IN HAGGIS COMPANY RECALL

The products being recalled are:

Macsween of Edinburgh

• Delicious Every Day Haggis - 227g, 454g, 500g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• In a Hurry Haggis - 130g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Haggis - 1kg, 1.36kg - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Traditional Haggis - 454g, 907g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Delicious Every Day Haggis Gluten Free - 454g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Haggis Canapes - All sizes - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• 3 Bird Haggis - All sizes - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• In a Hurry Vegetarian Haggis - 130g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Delicious Every Day Vegetarian Haggis - 227g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Delicious Every Day Vegetarian Haggis - 454g, 500g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Vegetarian Haggis - 1.36kg - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• In a Hurry Black Pudding - 130g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

• Delicious Every Day Black Pudding - 454g - Up to and including 18/08/2017

Donald & Sons

• Scottish Haggis - 454g - All date codes

• Haggis Slice - 227g - All date codes

• Black Pudding - 300g - All date codes

• Black Pudding Slices - 227g - All date codes

• Sliced Black Pudding - 227g - All date codes

Warren and Sons

• Scottish Haggis - 227g - All date codes

Marks and Spencer

• Scottish Haggis - 454g - Up to and including 26/07/2017

• Scottish 2 Haggis Slices -130g - Up to and including 26/07/2017

• Black Pudding - 200g - Up to and including 28/07/2017

• 4 Black Pudding Slices - 227g - Up to and including 27/07/2017

• White Pudding - 200g - Up to and including 28/07/2017