As a precautionary measure Guernsey Dairy has withdrawn from sale a batch of silver packet unsalted butter to ensure the product meets the highest quality. Guernsey Dairy Managing Director Andrew Tabel said there was no immediate risk to public health, and anyone who had consumed the product should not be alarmed. No other products are affected.
All Guernsey Dairy products undergo testing before being released for sale. The affected batch passed all initial tests before being distributed, but a subsequent test indicated a slightly higher than expected level of bacteria. Although this was still within the food standards requirements, Guernsey Dairy has removed from sale all the affected batch, which is marked with the production code 131 and a ‘Best before’ date of 11 December 2020.
The problem does not affect salted butter (gold packets), which accounts for nearly 90% of Guernsey Dairy’s butter sales. This remains on sale and is available through retail outlets and milk distributors. A previous batch of unsalted butter, dated ‘Best before’ 20 November, is also not affected and remains on sale.
Mr Tabel said: “I can reassure all of our customers that there is no cause for concern, even if you have already consumed the butter in question. We take the quality of our products very seriously, which is the primary reason for withdrawing this particular batch from sale as a precautionary measure.
“We would however ask customers to return any remaining packs to the point of purchase or to the Guernsey Dairy where provision will be made for its replacement. All our products undergo a robust and meticulous testing schedule before being released for sale.
“Whilst this batch of unsalted butter passed all initial mandatory tests, when subsequently tested a fortnight later we were concerned that the product showed higher than expected levels of bacteria. Although still within all regulatory standards, we have undertaken a responsible approach and made the decision to recall this particular batch of unsalted butter as a precautionary measure. Guernsey Dairy’s focus on the safety and quality of its products remains paramount. More than half of the recalled batch of unsalted butter has already been accounted for leaving approximately 2,000 packs still in circulation; many of which are likely to have been used already”.
