Crystal violet in Findus fish product
Tuesday 19 December 2006
A sample of Findus frozen salmon skewers on sale in the UK has tested positive for the chemical dye crystal violet, which is illegal for use as a veterinary medicine and is not allowed in food in the EU.
The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.
The lot codes of the potentially affected batches are:
6110LB BBE 07/2007
6111LB BBE 07/2007
6124LB BBE 08/2007
6145LB BBE 08/2007
6146LB BBE 08/2007
After taking the advice of the Chair of the Committee on Carcinogenicity, a group of leading independent scientists, the Agency is advising consumers who have these products at home that the risk to health is very low.
The company has taken action to withdraw all of their Salmon Skewer products from sale. Findus Ltd is advising people who have already bought the products not to eat them.
For a full refund, consumers should cut out and send the panel containing the lot codes to:
Findus Ltd
(Salmon Skewer Recall)
PO Box 188
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8WP
Further details are available on the Findus freephone telephone number 00800 34638785.
About crystal violet
Crystal violet is a substance which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals following long term exposure at high levels. However, at the trace levels identified in the affected product, the risk to consumers is considered to be very low.
The sample was taken as part of the surveillance conducted for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate from a sample of fish on retail sale. Further tests are being carried out by Findus to determine whether any other batches of Salmon Skewers have been affected.
It is not yet known how the crystal violet came to be in the salmon, but the company is carrying out investigations with its suppliers.
Food alerts
Food alerts are the FSA's way of letting local authorities and consumers know about problems associated with food and, in some cases, providing details of specific action to be taken. They are issued under two categories:
- Food Alerts: for Action
- Food Alerts: for Information
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