By Jennifer Smith and James Dunn – Daily Mail Online
Aldi has apologised after selling black pudding labelled as ‘halal’ despite it containing pork.
The product, made by Scottish company Punjab Pakora, contained traces of pork blood and skins – both forbidden in Islam.
It was stocked on Aldi shelves and online with a UK Health Code stamp which labelled it as ‘Halal’, suitable for Muslims.
After being contacted by outraged customers the chain has apologised and insisted on refunding any unhappy consumers.
The pakora was supplied to the supermarket chain by Scotland-based company Punjab Pakora which produces a number of Indian dishes.
Its owners Kushal & Vinita Duggal said the error occurred because a manager in charge of what is printed on product labels did not notice the mistake.
‘The mistake happened when we did the print run and unfortunately our manager failed to spot this error and got approval for printing.
‘We have been trying our very best and hardest (to correct the issue) and have contacted different clients involved and have sorted the issue.’
An Aldi spokesman said the company was investigating the incident.
‘Regarding the Punjab Pakora Black Pudding Pakora (Supplied by Punjab Pakora), we have now investigated this matter with the supplier, who has advised that the packaging was incorrectly labelled as Halal-certified and the problem is currently being rectified.
‘We apologise for any confusion caused by this unfortunate, isolated matter.
‘While this is not a food safety or legal compliance issue, any customers who are not satisfied are welcome to return their purchase to store for a full refund.’
Outraged customers told of their disgust that neither Punjab Pakora nor Aldi had spotted the mistake until too late.
‘This is absolutely outrageous and I am deeply offended by this,’ said Manahil Khan.
‘I am pretty sure many others of the Muslim community are also very offended by this.
‘It is demoralizing and goes against ones religious morals and scripture…. and I speak on behalf of every Muslim and human that does not deserve to be misled by any sort of false claim of halal food or lies about what we consume.’
ARTICLE TWO -18 May 2014
