Incorrect labelling forces food recall

Food recalls are nothing new. On a quasi-regular basis, it seems, companies are issuing embarrassing public statements regarding products they have sold to countless consumers across the country and world which may include harmful additives or substances. That being said, the recent recall announced by the noted discount retailer Lidl is sparking an unusually large amount of concern, due in large part to the specific nature of their disclosure. According to the company, two specific batches of gravy granules being sold have been shown to include harmful, poisonous chemicals commonly found in paint strippers. The products in question are part of the Kania brand of gravy granules. The controversial chemical found within them, xylene, has been known to cause a series of dangerous side effects in humans, including nausea, severe headaches, vomiting and other maladies. According to recent estimates, the scope of the recall is immense. At the most recent count, nearly 300,000 packages of the gravy products, each of which featured a labelled ‘best before’ date between the months of October and November, 2017. While this recall is, of course, a source of immense concern for consumer, it also brings forth a series of what may, perhaps, be even more troubling questions, one of the most significant being this: why do such stark discrepancies exist between food labelling and the actual ingredients found within a product. To what specific portion of the manufacturing process can manufacturers pin the blame for such blatant indiscretions occurring? Obviously, it is probable that each recall is unique in this respect, but, nevertheless, consumers around the world are most likely baffled as to why such problems continue to occur. If such issues are occurring as a result of “cutting corners” in inspection and pricing, it seems it must be the ethical and legal responsibility of companies to enforce the highest possible quality control standards. Without these regulations in place, the consumer will forever be at the mercy of the company selling them their food. This incident is yet another link in a dangerous chain which is threatening the welfare of men, women and children across the UK. More information about this specific recall will likely be publicised as soon as it becomes available. Those interested in learning more about this food labelling controversy are advised to visit the official web platform of Lidl.