Watchdog warns of botulism food scare

Published on Sunday 22 April 2007 01:26

CONSUMERS have been warned about two separate food contamination scares, one involving meat infected with botulism and the second being salmonella-contaminated lettuce.

The government food watchdog issued the alert yesterday after batches of venison and lettuce failed to meet safety guidelines.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said 2.6kg of smoked wild venison and smoked beef, produced by Islay Fine Food Company in 100g packs, could contain the deadly botulism bacteria.

The meat, which has now been withdrawn from sale, has the business approval code of AD002.

The beef batch has a use-by date of May 9, 2007 while the venison batch has a use-by date of June 9, 2007.

In Scotland, the meat has been sold at Jenners, Glasgow Airport; Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh; Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and shop, Inverary; House of Bruar, Perthshire; The Spey Larder, Speyside, Studio Cafe, Achnasheen, Ross and Cromarty, and Teviot Smokery, in the Borders.

An FSA spokesman said: "Due to a processing fault, this meat may not be safe to eat due to the potential risk of botulism. People who have eaten this product and feel unwell should consult their doctor."

The watchdog also issued an alert over packs of Florette 100% Lambs Lettuce, produced by Soleco UK Ltd in 80g packs, with the use-by dates of April 19, 20 and 21. No other batches or products are affected.

The food watchdog is urging anyone who has already bought the affected lettuce to throw it away and send the packaging to the retailer.