Emergency shutdown for food manufacturer after ‘extensive rodent infestation’

The inspectors visited the factory of Snax 4 U, at Springburn, Glasgow, on a routine investigation last week (January 10). After noticing “extensive rodent infestation”​ they issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, which closed the factory down with immediate effect.

The firm distributes sandwiches, baguettes and wraps to around 400 premises across the west of Scotland – around 100 of them are in Glasgow.

The notice means immediate closure of operations for the company: it cannot service or sell food from that moment onwards.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “It was a routine visit – no-one had put in a complaint or anything. Our staff noticed a mouse infestation immediately so we put in an emergency notice of closure on the spot.”​

Mouse infestation​

Representatives from Glasgow City Council are appearing in front of the Sheriff’s Court today (January 15) to have the closure legally ratified.

The Food Standards Agency is now investigating the incident.

Snax 4 U has now been ordered to recall 3,500 of its sandwiches, wraps and filled rolls, as they were produced in premises served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. They are still in circulation.

The recalled products include Snax 4 U own-brand sandwiches, baguettes and wraps and branded filled rolls. The use-by dates are January 12, 13 and 14.

The FSA is now trying to track down the recalled products, which may have been distributed outside the boundaries of Glasgow.

Still in circulation​

In a statement the FSA said: “It may be that some retailers have purchased large quantities of products and shared them with other retailers. Therefore, there is the possibility of product being for sale outwith the Glasgow boundary.”​

The FSA has not been able to obtain full distribution details or product traceability records. Products have also been found in two local authority areas that are not on the original distribution list in Scotland.

Officers have also identified further date codes and different products that have also been supplied from these premises with use-by dates up to and including January 14 2013.

The products have been distributed to newsagents and small convenience stories.

The FSA warned consumers who have purchased any products from Snax 4 U in Glasgow not to consume them. It said: “All of the affected products should be destroyed or returned to the store where purchased for a full refund.”​

Local authorities have been advised to identify and make contact with relevant retailers who may sell products from Snax 4 U (Glasgow).

The company now has to satisfy Glasgow City Council that it has dealt with the problem before it can start to trade again.