The BFFF have received an urgent call for information regarding the ongoing mustard contamination incident (peanut contamination).

The FSA would like to discuss any responses at their Food Industry Liaison Group meeting (FILG) on 2nd October, at which the BFFF will be present so, whilst we understand this is short notice, your consideration before then would be very much appreciated. Any additional information on industry impacts and insights will help bring this incident to a more rapid conclusion.

Please see the call for information below.

Should you wish the BFFF to send the response on your behalf, please ensure you send them through to deniserion@bfff.co.uk before close of day 1^st October.

Should you wish to respond directly to the FSA, you can do so using the email address Preventionteam@food.gov.uk

FSA call for information received 27.09.24:

Mustard Powder Contaminated with Peanuts – Message for Food Businesses

Further to our communication on 20^th September on this matter. We are writing to get a better understanding of the scale of the situation, to support the risk management of this ongoing incident.

As you will already be aware, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are managing this ongoing incident after being made aware that batches of mustard, mustard seed, mustard powder and mustard flour imported to the UK from India, have been found to contain undeclared peanut.

Although we are unable to provide bespoke risk assessment or risk management advice to industry in relation to specific products or companies, additional information from industry would be beneficial for FSA/FSS to further develop our understanding of the current situation on a UK-wide basis and identify wider implications for the food industry and consumers.

Confidential: As this survey is being carried out to understand industry impacts and insights, it is therefore confidential. However, we stress that if unsafe food is identified, there should be no deviation from the normal regulatory conditions, and you should notify your local authority immediately.

Questions: Please answer as many as are relevant.

1. Are you checking for affected products on the market?
2. What types of products or ingredients do you or your suppliers produce that contain the affected mustard powder/flour? Please provide information on:

• Whether the product or ingredient is intended to be further processed?
• How many and what are the volumes of the batches affected?
• Does this product or ingredient include a precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) for peanut?

3. Is there any help you need with identifying affected products on the market?
4. Have you or your suppliers done any analytical testing for peanut contamination?
5. If so, please provide information on: details of (i) what was tested, (ii) the amount of testing and (iii) levels of peanut protein detected (including negative results)?
6. If any, what are the barriers or required conditions for food businesses to provide test results?
7. When might this data be available?
8. “What actions have you or your suppliers already taken, or do you plan to take to ensure consumer safety?  And please also let us know of any mitigations being taken that others might benefit from?
9. Has there been any engagement with your local authority on this issue?

As much as possible we would appreciate a response by 2^nd October.

Thank you very much in anticipation of your response!