Bovril Supplies 'Shelved' In Salmonella Scare

Jars of Bovril are being withdrawn from shelves after traces of dangerous bacteria were found in them.

Food and drinks giant Unilever said it was recalling 15,000 jars and 72 plastic tubs of beef extract made during a time-specific period as a "precautionary measure".

The alert comes after traces of salmonella were found in jars at its Burton factory.

A company spokesman said the bacteria were found in a "small number" of jars of the beef extract, which has been popular in households for more than a century.

"The health and safety of our consumers is paramount and we would like to reassure them that only a small volume of production has been affected.

"We have launched an immediate investigation and we are working closely with the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and relevant authorities to ensure this does not happen again," he said.

The batch codes of the 250g glass jars of Bovril are: L8201XX795, L8206XX795, L820XX795 and L8208XX795.

The spokesman insisted that it was "an isolated incident" and "no other Bovril or Unilever products are affected", although Unilever has temporarily halted production of the product.

The company has promised to refund any customers who bought the recalled jars and has also set up a telephone helpline for anyone affected by the recall.

Those who may have consumed the product have been advised to seek medical help.

Salmonella is a food-borne disease and symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever.

The hot drink was invented in 1886 by Scotsman John Lawson Johnston, to help feed malnourished troops during the Napoleonic Wars.

Production moved from London to Burton in 1968 where it has been made to a traditional recipe up until the period between 2004 and 2006 when yeast was favoured over beef to dispel fears of BSE.

Bovril can be made into a drink by diluting it with hot water. It can also be used for flavouring soups, stews or porridge.

(DS)