FSA recalls additional Zorba Delicacies houmous lines
The new recall includes additional lines sold at Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Booker, Spar, Safeway and Sainsbury’s, among other retailers.
It comes after further testing resulted in “a new presumptive indication of the presence of salmonella in a sample of the ingredient”, a spokesman told Food Manufacture.
‘Precautionary step’
“We immediately alerted the FSA and our customers of this finding,” he said. “While this will not be confirmed, for certain, until further testing has been completed, and despite all other samples being totally clear, we have taken the precautionary step of recalling additional houmous items based on this presumptive result.”
The spokesman also confirmed that an unnamed third party is still thought to be responsible for the potential contamination at this stage. He reinforced, however, that additional testing was ongoing.
On Friday (1 November), Zorba cited the third party as being at the root of the issue after raising the number of products recalled to 56 lines, which included Sainsbury’s own range, Nando’s houmous with Peri-Peri drizzle, Morrisons’ Avocado Houmous, Asda’s Carrot Sticks & Houmous and Lidl’s Meadow Fresh Houmous Selection, due to the potential threat. This also included recalls from other retailers in Ireland.
Salmonella
Originally, 17 lines has been recalled after an announcement by the FSA on 30 October.
The latest statement from the firm said: “Zorba Delicacies Limited is recalling the above products with a use-by date up to 7 November due to the possible presence of salmonella.
“Please do not eat these products and return them to your nearest store for a full refund. We don’t need a receipt.
“Zorba Delicacies apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of product quality and safety.”
The FSA added: Point-of-sale notices have been displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.”
The list of the latest recalls is outlined on the FSA website.