Surya Foods: Rodent infestation problem originated in Netherlands

29-Nov-2010 - Last updated on 29-Nov-2010 at 09:36 GMT

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The firm involved in a recent rodent-related product recall says the problem has been traced back to a single supplier in the Netherlands and did not originate in its own UK facilities.

Surya Foods this month recalled 500g packs (all date codes) of Island Sun Semolina from Tesco “due to potential contamination as a result of rodent infestation” as a precautionary measure after a customer complaint.

Alex Mwewa, who co-ordinates the company’s relationships with the multiples, told FoodManufacture.co.uk that the product was not one of its major product lines and was only supplied to selected Tesco stores.

He added: “The product is from Spain or Portugal and then packed and re-sold. Our supplier is in the Netherlands and this is the only product that we buy from them. The problem was claimed to be droppings. A customer complained to Tesco and the local Environmental Health Officer was informed."

Harwich-based Surya Foods, which operates rice mills in India and Pakistan and has four UK sites in Harwich, Grimsby, Wembley and Birmingham, is a leading supplier of ethnic foods to Tesco and Asda with a turnover of more than £100m.

Its 2,000-strong range includes Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Oriental and Polish products.