Bisto recalls thousands of products

A range of products from the Bisto brand was recalled following concerns that some of the containers may be contaminated with metal shavings after problems in the production process. According to a spokesman for the manufacturer, the products had been shipped to retailers all across the country, and thus the recall may affect shoppers in Essex. The products affected by the recall are the 170g tubs of Bisto For Chicken Gravy Granules and the Reduced Salt Bisto For Chicken Gravy Granules.

The manufacturer of Bisto is Premier Foods, which also owns the OXO and Sharwood’s brands and has several facilities across the country. The contaminated batch originated from a factory located in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, where a fault on the production line resulted in metal bolts being scraped. The metal shavings resulting from the contact mixed with the product to contaminate the food. The Food Standards Agency also publicised the safety concerns and a representative has confirmed the source of the problem.

The manufacturer apologised and announced that its retailers had been informed of the situation. Premier Foods has advised its customers to return any container matching the contaminated batch to the retailer where they will be reimbursed for the cost of the item. Although not all of the tubs from the batch would contain metal shards, the company said that as a safety measure the entire batch of approximately 50,000 tubs was being recalled.

If a number of people are injured by a dangerous product, then each of them is entitled to make a claim against the manufacturer. While they may choose to pursue their claims as individuals, a solicitor may be able to provide legal advice concerning a group action. Advantages of a group claim may include a reduced cost in bringing the claim and the pressure that the added publicity brings to bear.