Firm investigating potential peanut contamination

FGS Ingredients has been based in Leicester since 1974

A Leicester firm involved in the recall of 70 food products says investigations into a potential peanut contamination are ongoing.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising people with an allergy to avoid consuming foods that may contain mustard, because they could be contaminated with peanuts.

Mustard ingredients - including mustard powder or flour - can be found in dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches, the FSA said.

FGS Ingredients, the UK supplier of the recalled mustard from India, said testing was ongoing to understand "where and how this issue originated".

As of Saturday 70 products have been recalled, including Dominos dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce.

The FSA has traced the contaminated mustard ingredients supplied by FGS Ingredients to a producer in India called GT Agro Industries.

FGS Ingredients said it was carrying out additional sample testing both at its Ulverscroft Road site and with an external laboratory, and working with its Indian supplier on a thorough analysis of its processes.

'Determine the source'

A spokesperson said: "FGS Ingredients does not include any peanut in its spices and no peanuts are allowed on our production site in Leicester.

"We also follow very strict working controls to prevent the accidental introduction of allergens, including staff hand swabs prior to anyone starting work.

"As a family-owned business now in its third generation of leadership, we have grown to proudly become the principal supplier of natural spices to food producers across the UK and to businesses internationally.

"We have never previously been involved in any incident of food contamination. Nevertheless, we continue to support the FSA investigation in every way necessary to help determine the source of this issue."

Anyone with an allergy to peanuts is advised to steer clear of mustard due to the issue, said the FSA's Rebecca Sudworth

Because of how serious allergic reactions to peanuts can be, the FSA says it is taking a precautionary approach, so that people with allergies can keep themselves safe.

Rebecca Sudworth, FSA director of food policy, said: "Those with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming products containing mustard as an ingredient until we identify the individual products affected."

According to the agency, if mustard is present it will be in bold on packets, while food that could unintentionally have mustard present will have a "may contain" label.

About one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK have a nut allergy, according to Anaphylaxis UK.