Baxters has issued a recall for its Chef Selections Cullen Skink soup, a smoked haddock chowder, because of a manufacturing fault that could lead to the product spoiling and the cans swelling and potentially rupturing. The Baxters Cullen Skink soup recall affects 400g cans with batch code L07XC and an April 2029 best before date. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced the action, warning that spoiled soup may develop an unpleasant odour and flavour.
The company, which is based in north east Scotland, has asked shoppers in England, Wales and Scotland who bought the affected cans not to eat the soup. Instead, the FSA advised customers to dispose of the product without opening it. The agency instructed that the full can should be carefully placed in a bag and put in an external bin.
What customers should do
Anyone who has purchased the recalled soup is being told not to consume it. The FSA’s guidance is clear: do not open the can, place it in a bag, and dispose of it in an outside bin. This precaution is intended to prevent any risk from cans that may have begun to swell or could rupture.
For those seeking a replacement, Baxters has directed customers to contact its customer care team by email at ccuk@baxters.com. The company has not provided further details on the replacement process, but the email address is the designated point of contact for affected shoppers.
Scope of the recall
The recall specifically covers 400g cans of Chef Selections Cullen Skink with the batch code L07XC and a best before date of April 2029. The product was sold in England, Wales and Scotland. The FSA stated that the manufacturing defect could cause the soup to spoil, leading to the risk of cans swelling and potentially rupturing.
Baxters, founded in Fochabers in Moray in 1868, remains one of Scotland’s best-known food manufacturers. It is still a privately-owned family business and is now run by fourth-generation family member Audrey Baxter. The recall is a notable event for the company, which has a long history in the Scottish food industry.
Official warnings and advice
The FSA’s announcement highlights the potential dangers of consuming spoiled soup and the importance of handling the affected cans safely. The agency warned that spoilage could produce an unpleasant odour and flavour, but the primary concern is the physical risk of cans swelling and bursting. By advising consumers not to open the cans and to dispose of them externally, the FSA aims to minimise any hazard.
Customers who have bought the soup are urged to check the batch code and best before date on the can. Only those matching the specified batch code L07XC and April 2029 date are affected. The recall does not appear to extend to other Baxters products or other batches of the Cullen Skink soup.
The recall is a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the role of the FSA in protecting the public. Baxters has acted to remove the affected product from sale and to inform consumers. Shoppers who have the product at home should follow the FSA’s instructions and contact Baxters for a replacement if desired.
