Bart Ingredients has welcomed the “vindication” of its supply chain after the FSA this week overturned the recall of a batch of its cumin linked to a nut allergy health scare earlier this year.
Bart’s cumin recalled in January after testing positive for undeclared almond protein did not, in fact, contain any, the FSA admitted. The agency revealed a false result had been caused by mahaleb, a spice from the same family of trees and shrubs as almond.
Bart Ingredients had questioned the veracity of the FSA results since the announcement of the original recall, but the FSA this week insisted it had acted correctly.
“The FSA carried out testing using accredited laboratories and validated methods and both indicated the presence of almond protein,” it said. “Based on these results and the risk assessment, it was important to take precautionary action.”
The agency added it did not believe it was appropriate to compensate Bart for the recall, and the company had not requested any.
Bart Ingredients said it was delighted the FSA had rescinded the recall. “From the outset we were confident of our controls and those of our growers and processors,” added head of technical Greg Corbishley. “We welcome this vindication of our supply chain.”
The mahaleb was uncovered through additional testing by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC), which found mahaleb could produce a false positive result for almond protein in cumin. The FSA said this was the first time researchers had identified this type of reaction, and it would now review testing methodologies.
Mexican food kits and seasonings were recalled around the time of the Bart incident for undeclared almond in paprika. The FSA said there was no evidence of cross-reactivity due to mahaleb in paprika.
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