Merton Council warns residents of tinned Hot Dog sausages product recall

Merton Council?s Environmental Health Service is warning residents to check purchases of tinned Hot Dog sausages from Lidl or Asda stores, as the Food Standards Agency have issued a Food Hazard Warning.

The warning is regarding a product recall by Lidl Gmbh and Asda stores Ltd of brands of hot dog sausages, which are produced by the same manufacturer, Struik Food Group in the Netherlands. The details of the products involved are as follows:
Store: Lidl
Product name: Dulano Hot Dog Sausages and Chira Hot Dog Sausages
Batch Codes: All batches with a best before date of Sept 2004
Description and Size Of Packaging: 400g can

Store: Asda
Product name: Smart Price Hot Dog Sausages
Batch Codes: All batches with a best before date of Sept 2003
Description and Size Of Packaging: 400g can.

Microbiological examination of suspect cans sold by both companies has revealed bacterial growth. However there have been no known complaints alleging illness following consumption of the affected sausages. Although complaints have been received about cans exploding when they are opened and the contents fizzing and smelling foul.

In addition, some complainants allege physical injury on opening the Lidl cans, which are different from Asda`s in that they open by a ring pull. Prior to the issue of the Food Hazard Warning Lidl, which has a store in Merton, removed the canned Hot Dog sausages from sale. Any customers who have purchased the affected product from Lidl or Asda can return it to the relevant store for a full refund.

Merton Council?s Commercial and Trading Standards Manager, Wendy Martin said: ?Merton Council urges residents who have recently purchased this product to check the details carefully before opening and return the product if it fits the description. The difficulty with a product recall of tinned goods is they tend to remain in consumers homes for long periods between purchase and consumption. This increases the need to make as many people as possible aware of the fault.?

For further information about products purchased from Lidl contact Lidl Customer Helpline on 0870 4441234. For further information about products purchased from Asda contact Asda Customer Services on 0500 100 055.

For advice on any faulty products purchased in Merton contact Merton Council?s Environmental Health Service on 020 8545 3024