Genius/Livwell contamination

[kickingfrog]

Some negative posts from Genius Facebook

Tony Coulson shame on this company my wifes been ill after eating the crumpets do these no the damage iI,E cancer you can end up with if you dont eat the gluten free foods
12 June at 20:40

Irene Nickson Apart from being ill from eating genius products until this has come to light what happens now ? Do we get some kind of refund or something due to being ill from eating contaminated products that has made us I'll and also the expensive of wheat/gluten free that costs us arm and a leg ? I will however still carry on buying yoke products as I personally think they are the best especially the bread . My granddaughter has just been diagnosed as servers coeliac and I have been introducing "genius s" products to her .


Nicola Anne I know I understand to. I had to have a day off work and lost 30 pounds work because of a reaction. I know it's a mistake I forgive but it's not fair we suffer
12 June at 09:14nuis" products to her .12 June at 09:01

Susie Chester I would be interested to know what protocols you have put in place. My husband has a Wheat allergy not intolerance and I take great care to make sure his food is safe and I need to trust the food I buy for him. I dont want him in hospital or worse. At the moment I'm not sure I will buy your products. I thought being a wheat free factory and company it would be safe. I'm going to take more convincing
8 · 12 June at 06:28

Jan Barker This is an honest and excellent letter.
However, I've been seriously sick this week.
Genius should have remained small and kept doing what they were doing.
Global greed and the colour of money was what they saw.
I am being brutal. I too, am being honest. This is my opinion.
This letter won't make up my loss of salary. As a contractor, if I don't work, I don't get paid.
If this has taught me one thing, it's never to buy any store brand Free From and Genius products ever again.
Sorry, but there it is.
Thank you
12 June at 09:46


Talya Hughes After this accident, I'm not sure that I'm keep buying any genius products...I don't like be in pain & a small amount of gluten makes me feel awful & really bad...really sad, that it has happened...but there not trust anymore...we buy gluten free as we believe that it's gluten free... We pay much more only because of no gluten...
8 · 12 June at 08:09

Tegan Baker It's nice to see a formal statement from them, but it STILL doesn't explain exactly what happened? What ingredient was it? And why was it contaminated? I think everyone is going to find it really hard to trust them again after this incident, especially after the pie incident that occurred a few months ago. A dedicated gluten free factory should have much more rigorous checks.
3 · 12 June at 08:57

Donna Pont My daughter is not intolerant - she is anaphylaxis to wheat and gluten - I need to know that her food is 100 % safe for her - as she could end up in hospital or worse
2 · 12 June at 06:52

Sarah Carter-Dowding I have to admit I was extremely shocked at the extend of the contamination. Honestly wouldn't have been aware if I wasn't part of this facebook page. None of the supermarkets I purchase from have mentioned anything and have still seen your products (mentioned to have a problem) on the shelves and had to mention it to manager at one store. They looked at me like I was crazy and said they were misinformed? The feeling you get when you eat gluten/wheat or have contaminated food is awful. I hope that everyone is ok. I myself got lucky as I had only 2 days of feeling icky. It is great that the letter was brought out to give some form of apology. Sadly I think this could have an impact on future trust in the company.
15 hrs

Chris Dodman To have this happen in the middle of my coeliac daughters GCSEs could not have been worse timing. She has been struggling now and her whole future may be affected. My autistic son has had a terrible time too with sickness, tummy aches and his schooling has been disrupted which he could have avoided. Do you realise the effect on people's daily life when our life is hard enough as it is!!!?
15 hrs

Dawn Mckenna I would like to know how that ingredient managed to be in so many different products. The use of the ingredient in question must have been widespread, and wasn't there testing in place on ingredients prior to production?

It would also help if you detailed the procedures being implemented to prevent this in future? We pay a lot for these products, we need to able to trust them and as it stands we often can't.
12 June at 14:37 · Edited

[kickingfrog]

Genius faces consumer backlash on social media

Customer Facebook comments to Genius

Customers are unhappy with the Genius gluten contamination with many claiming sickness and even time spent off work

storify.com/lesleyfoottit/customer-facebook-comments-to-genius/embed

bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/14401/Genius_faces_consumer_backlash_on_social_media.html

[kickingfrog]

Also a Genius recall

Posted by AndrewM on 6/6/2015, 22:48:15


That's a hat trick today, I think.

www.coeliac.org.uk/about-us/news/genius-asda-and-sainsburys-product-recalls/




Genius own Livwell

Posted by Lily on 8/6/2015, 13:24:39, in reply to " Also a Genius recall "


It seems all the affected 'GF' items were supplied by Livwell (Genius).



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Livwell Limited produces bread and cakes in its bakeries in East Yorkshire and Bathgate. It offers rolls, baguettes, pitta breads, naan breads, crumpets, muffins, teacakes, fruit loaves, hot cross buns, pizza bases, scones, snacks, toasting bread buns, bagels, and sliced white breads. The company also offers prescribable products. Livwell serves customers through retail stores, as well as online. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is based in Hull, United Kingdom. As of February 27, 2013, Livwell Limited operates as a subsidiary of Genius Foods Limited.


www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=50009831




Re: Genius own Livwell

Posted by Lily on 8/6/2015, 13:28:05, in reply to "Genius own Livwell "


A HULL bakery business that employs more than 80 people is set for expansion after being snapped up by another firm.

Livwell Bakery in Main Street, off Fountain Road, has been bought by Genius Foods, the UK gluten-free food specialist.

The deal forms part of Genius's �21m acquisition of United Central Bakeries from Finsbury Foods, which also includes the UCB facility near Edinburgh.

Finsbury bought Livwell in April 2008 for �9.6m and has been producing products sold under the Genius brand since December 2010.



Read more: www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Hull-bakery-Livwell-set-expand-bought-Genius/story-18286525-detail/story.html#ixzz3cTNrrzLN




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Lily on 7/6/2015, 10:22:34, in reply to " Also a Genius recall "


I guess these are all made by a certain company and are sold under the various names?

Wonder what the 'dry ingredient' was?

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What was the source of contamination?
Our regular testing procedures have shown that a dry ingredient used in very small quantities in the baking process of the affected products was the source of the gluten contamination. This has now been removed from the bakery...



www.geniusglutenfree.com/en_GB/blog/Product+recall:+Genius+&+Livwell+Crumpets+and+Livwell+Naan

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It has been brought to our attention that the above products may contain gluten which is not declared on the packaging.

As a precautionary measure, we are asking all customers who have bought these products to return them to their nearest Sainsbury�s store, where they will receive a full refund.

No other Sainsbury�s products are affected by this issue, and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause....

help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/products/customer-notice-freefrom-list

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Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Bill on 7/6/2015, 10:33:06, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


If the gluten level is between 20 and 80ppm in the finished product then the contaminated ingredient had a whole lot more gluten.




Re: Also a Genius recall (Livwell)

Posted by Lily on 7/6/2015, 10:27:12, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


No warning on Livwell site:

livwellfoods.co.uk/




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by David mc on 6/6/2015, 23:21:13, in reply to " Also a Genius recall "


Yes, wonder how they worked that out. Maybe the products looked far too edible!




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Sue on 6/6/2015, 23:45:22, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


How can this happen, when they tell us that dedicated facilities are used? Surely the wrong flour should not get in the building.
I have been in Asda and Sainsburys today and there was no mention of this near the free from shelves. A lot of people are going to be very poorly if the products contain all normal flour. I wonder if even more products/brands will be involved? Another argument for prescription foods which you can trust.




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by AndrewM on 7/6/2015, 0:22:27, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


I was in Sainsburys about 7.30pm on Saturday when they put up the recall notice on the empty shelves where their products should have been. They also had a notice, which was already in place, about Genius crumpets, but nothing about Genius bread or Livwell.

Are all of these products (Genius/Livwell/Asda/Sainsbury) made in the same facility?




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Bill on 7/6/2015, 11:10:49, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


Yes




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Bill on 7/6/2015, 10:09:20, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


all made at Livwell in Hull




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Lily on 8/6/2015, 17:44:00, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


Found this, I thought the GF stuff was made at a separate factory but seems not:

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How can I be reassured about contamination?

Genius products are baked in a dedicated gluten-free and wheat-free area which means no produce or ingredients containing these allergens are allowed into the area and rigorous checks are in place to ensure that procedures are followed...

www.geniusglutenfree.com/en_GB/faq




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Sue on 7/6/2015, 0:47:41, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


I was in earlier so that would explain it.
The Genius website offers an explanation. They say that the items tested at between 20ppm and 80ppm which by industry standards is considered low risk to us. I think that is rather blasé as it is 4 times the limit where items can be called GF. If I read it correctly they are usually 5ppm. They also need to think of the cumulative effect if you have eaten more than one.
Re Livwell, I don't think they are sold there anymore.




Re: Also a Genius recall

Posted by Sue on 6/6/2015, 23:54:27, in reply to "Re: Also a Genius recall "


Also meant to say that there is nothing on the FSA website regarding this yet. I assumed they would be the first authority to be involved.




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[kickingfrog]

Product Recall: Now Sainsbury’s recall gluten-free products because they’re not gluten-free

June 6th, 2015

By Ben Telford


Product Recall: Now Sainsburys recall gluten free products because they’re not gluten freeYou might’ve already seen the news earlier that Asda are recalling a range of gluten-free products because they actually contain gluten. Yep. Really.

It seems that Sainsbury’s use the same manufacturer for their products as Asda so the chances that further recalls are in the offing are pretty high. ...

www.bitterwallet.com/product-recall-now-sainsburys-recall-gluten-free-products-because-theyre-not-gluten-free/85786
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Sainsbury's recall

Posted by Trevor on 6/6/2015, 21:15:28

GF board

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Thank you

Posted by Hcm on 7/6/2015, 13:45:19, in reply to "Sainsbury's recall "


Thanks to all pointing out these alerts. Have passed info on to my son who has spotted one of them in his kitchen cupboard and therefore escaped this time. Thing is he would never have known since asymptomatic....




Re: Sainsbury's recall

Posted by Ron on 7/6/2015, 9:01:37, in reply to "Sainsbury's recall

Thanks for this Trevor, These are not products that I use but I wonder where was this notification was presented.



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[kickingfrog]

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Gluten Free Recall: Theres GLUTEN in Free From Products??

Posted by BeckyEmail User on 7/6/2015, 11:06:57

Gluten Free Recall: Theres GLUTEN in Free From Products??



I can't believe the list of different brands involved in the big Gluten Free Recall is still expanding... madness how so many people across the manufacturing process have made a mistake.. even if it is the same factory.

Click for the big discussion & all the details.. get involved. We are trying to build up as many people in the same place as possible to make sure we get noticed!

glutenfreecuppatea.co.uk/2015/06/06/gluten-free-recall-theres-gluten-in-free-from-products/





Re: Gluten Free Recall

Posted by Lily on 7/6/2015, 13:26:05, in reply to "Gluten Free Recall: There�s GLUTEN in Free From Products??"


If you compare the 'own brand' items they seem to overlap- suggesting that all these suppliers use one original producer ( the same finished product has different labels).

It seems from Genius site that one common 'dry' ingredient in the 'GF' items contained gluten.

Please see previous posts.




Re: Gluten Free Recall



www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33040348




Re: Gluten Free Recall

Posted by Mary (Inverclyde) on 7/6/2015, 19:12:28, in reply to "Re: Gluten Free Recall"


A "possible health risk". A definite health risk is more like it!




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[kickingfrog]

Asda recalls
Posted by Trevor on 6/6/2015, 21:17:18


ASDA recalls gluten-free products because they’re not gluten-free


www.bitterwallet.com/asda-recalls-gluten-free-products-because-theyre-not-gluten-free/85766

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Bitter Wallet

ASDA’s gluten intolerant shoppers might want to check their kitchen cupboards for some of these products. Turns out, they’re not gluten-free at all.. ASDA have held their hands up on the issue, blaming an incorrect flour batch being used and have asked customers to return the products to their nearest store. Over the weekend Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s have also issued recall notices on products from their gluten-free range.

The products affected on this ASDA recall are-

ASDA Free From 2 Pizza Bases with best before code of either 26.06.2015 or 30.06.2015
ASDA Free From Garlic & Coriander Naan Breads with best before code of either 03.07.2015, 07.07.2015 or 09.07.2015
ASDA Free From 4 White Pitta Bread with best before code of either 26.06.2015, 30.06.2015 or 02.07.2015

If you want to chat with ASDA customer relations or get more information, you can contact them on 0800 952 0101

[kickingfrog]

Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Lily on 13/6/2015, 13:55:41

GF board

I posted a query on the website below asking if prescription Genius/Livwell gluten free items (which seem to be the same as the contaminated ones in shops) are affected -but my post was not accepted.



www.geniusglutenfree.com/en_GB/blog/Dear%20Genius%20Customer


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by David mc on 14/6/2015, 12:33:11, in reply to "Prescription Genius & Livwell"


Welcome to the corporate, globalised world of gluten free food production. This is what happens in the food processing industry the world over. The pursuit of profit margins means that, in this case production was harmonised along with production of non GF products, permitting a contamination risk to enter the production and GF food chain. It was made worse by production for so many outlets being centred in one place, again to cut production costs and increase profit. Why were the Genius products not produced in a dedicated GF bakery? Reason? They have outsourced production to somewhere where they don't evidently have full control of the production process. They can't do this anyway because they produce in an environment in which gluten is present, thus creating a potential contamination risk. I have always found that my stomach struggled to tolerate Genius loaves and now of course I wonder if this problem has happened before. I can recall many people on this board commenting on reacting badly to Genius bread. Personally I think it is more likely a reaction to the high fat and fibre content but I can't help but wonder. This type of problem is likely to increase as demand increases and producers find ways to meet that demand as cheaply as possible to make the most profit. Genius have to be credited with producing the first decent GF commercial loaves in the market but they need to be careful how they move forward. Not accepting posts asking difficult questions on their board does nothing to reassure customers. It smacks of damage limitation. Customers who think that they are being sidelined by big businesses can just as easily go elsewhere, I get quite a lot of very good GF products in my local LIdl here in NI now and their GF bread and other products are significantly cheaper and in many cases better than those from Genius. As Lidl expands this range to the UK, which should happen, the Genius hold on the market will be under threat from the budget supermarkets. Hopefully the prices will come down as a result.

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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Angry Coeliac on 13/6/2015, 21:16:40, in reply to "Prescription Genius & Livwell"


Not surprised your post was not accepted . Still no word on the mystery ingredient ?

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dry ingredient

Posted by Lily on 14/6/2015, 9:19:29, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"


Still a mystery, AC.

It seems from what Genius said to me that it has only a 'small' amount of gluten in it and is not used in home baking, just in the food industry.

This seems reassuring as I wouldn't want to accidentally pick up eg baking powder marked 'GF' in the supermarket and it be the same 'dry ingredient' as used in the contaminated Livwell/Genius items.

However, Genius also said this 'dry ingredient' IS used in 'small proportions' in some of their products but why any gluten-containing ingredient is used in GF items I don't understand.

They also said the 'dry ingredient' should never have been delivered to their 'bakery' (presumably they mean the GF area of the bread/ baked goods factory where Genius/Livwell products are made?).

I guess the 'dry ingredient' might have been destined for the gluten area of the factory and by mistake the driver took it to the GF area (mistake number one).

Then somebody of authority in the GF area accepted / signed for the 'dry ingredient' (mistake 2).

Then it was included in the recipe/s without being tested for gluten (mistake 3).

Next the finished contaminated items were made, baked and wrapped in 'GF' packaging without being tested (mistake 4).

Then the wrapped contaminated items were sent out to supermarkets and pharmacies (mistake 5).

Only after this happened, I guess, the 'dry ingredient' was tested for gluten and found to be the wrong sort of 'dry ingredient' (ie not GF).

By that time, it was realised, this wrong 'dry ingredient had been used and the products were out of the factory.

Then , I guess, the first group of contaminated items were identified and warnings issued .

Later, the second group of contaminated items were identified and the second warning was issued.

But, no, we still don't know what this 'dry ingredient' was/is?

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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Angry Coeliac on 14/6/2015, 16:01:47, in reply to "dry ingredient"


They have made a lot of mistakes than !

It's ridiculous they have been using the dry ingredient containing gluten in GF products even if it is small proportions , how is this even allowed ?


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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by JaneK on 14/6/2015, 10:38:22, in reply to "dry ingredient"


As I understand it the dry ingredient at the centre of this is....BAKING POWDER. Happy for anyone at Genius to dispute this.

There is nothing mysterious about the source, etc. The simple fact is that there was an error in the factory and the wrong baking powder was used.

Genius have managed to dig a real hole for themselves here. I believe that all the vague information, and forcing employees to sign non disclosure agreements is all about trying to cover up the fact that they produce wheat products under the same roof as gluten free products.

Once again I reiterate that if Genius had been up front and put their customers health as the priority, instead of being focussed on minimising commercial damage then we would all have been a lot better off.



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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Lily on 14/6/2015, 11:19:15, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


Yes, this would make sense, Jane, as GF baking powder looks very similar to gluten baking powder, nobody would be alarmed to see the usual- looking BP going into a GF mixture.

Obviously this could be overcome by using exclusively (over all the factory) GF baking powder but I don't know how tight the margins are re buying -in the ingredients.
The gluten-containing BP might be a lot cheaper than GF.

It's a few years since I bought gluten BP so I don't know the what the price difference is!


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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Patricia on 14/6/2015, 11:37:59, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


Just checked - there is no baking powder in Livwell pitta breads.

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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by JaneK on 17/6/2015, 16:45:53, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


Apparently it is Disodium Diphosphate - an ingredient often in baking powder. Also an ingredient in yum yums (the main wheat containing product produced in the wheat area) hence why Genius say it is not a domestically available ingredient. Happy for Genius to dispute this.

As mentioned before it's not really the ingredient that is important here, it's the fact that Genius have and are continuing to keep its consumers in the dark for their own commercial reasons.

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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Lily on 18/6/2015, 13:25:56, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


Thanks, Jane.

As you say, the important thing is the cover-up, but I would love to know for sure (from Genius) what the 'dry ingredient' was!


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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by JaneK on 18/6/2015, 15:59:01, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


I think we are now getting an insight into Genius and its attitudes to us as "customers" - clearly we are simply a source of cash!! Now while I agree that having a profitable business is every business person's goal, this does not mean taking your customers for granted.

I will NEVER trust a business that treats me solely as a source of revenue and won't even have the honesty to explain what happened in their factory to make some of us very ill.

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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Patricia on 17/6/2015, 17:54:58, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


That is on the list I posted, but they denied it was baking powder!


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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Lily on 14/6/2015, 11:47:34, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


thanks, Patricia.


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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Lily on 14/6/2015, 11:58:44, in reply to "Re: dry ingredient"


No BP in the crumpets or pittas so the 'dry ingredient' as still a mystery!

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Waitrose site

Genius gluten free crumpets 220g

Product Summary

Crumpets made from rice flour, maize starch & potato starch.

Ingredients

Water, Rice Flour, Maize Starch, Potato Starch, Rapeseed Oil, Dried Egg, Caster Sugar, Maize Flour, Yeast, Dextrose,
Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphates, Potassium Carbonate, Salt,
Stabilisers: Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose,
Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid,
Emulsifiers: Mono- and Di-Glycerides of Fatty Acids, Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids,
Preservative: Potassium Sorbate

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Livwell site

Livwell Pitta Breads - 4 Pack

Water, Tapioca Starch, Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Yeast, Psyllium Husk Powder, Dried Egg White, Dextrose, Rapeseed Oil,
Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine;
Stabiliser: Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, Xanthan Gum; Maize Flour, Salt,
Preservative: Calcium Propionate; Citric Acid, Sugar,
Emulsifier: Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids.

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Re: dry ingredient

Posted by Bill on 14/6/2015, 9:51:58, in reply to "dry ingredient"


You would think the bakers in the wheat bakery might just say "where's my dry ingredient used only in small amounts and contains very little gluten "!!

Where's the control?


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Sandra (EK) on 13/6/2015, 17:39:56, in reply to "Prescription Genius & Livwell"


It maybe that your pharmacy has been informed of the recall and they will be the ones to contact their customers.

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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Lily on 13/6/2015, 16:34:50, in reply to "Prescription Genius & Livwell"


I see Livwell website have just got round to announcing the contamination (on Saturday 13th June):


livwellfoods.co.uk/



I think the prescription items are the same as similar-sounding ones off scrip, eg:

Click on 'Prescribable products'

and you get:

Garlic & Coriander Naan Breads /
Tear Drop Flat Breads - 2 Pack (180g)

Garlic and coriander naan breads, the perfect accompaniment to curry.

A 2 pack is available to you on prescription

1 x 180g PIP Code 3398591

livwellfoods.co.uk/products_naan_breads.php




Click on 'Products'

and you get:

Garlic & Coriander Naan Breads /
Tear Drop Flat Breads - 2 Pack (180g)

Garlic and coriander naan breads, the perfect accompaniment to curry.

A 2 pack is available to you on prescription

1 x 180g PIP Code 3398591

livwellfoods.co.uk/products_naan_breads.php


No information on the site telling you what to do if you have prescribable items that seem to be the same as the contaminated supermarket ones (eg these Livwell naans) , I assume you take them back to the pharmacy where you got them from?


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Bill on 13/6/2015, 14:55:33, in reply to "Prescription Genius & Livwell"


So Genius are now trying to manage the bad news! Is this a good idea?!! The growth of Genius was helped by the on line community and social media. I can't see what they hope to achieve by this.

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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by JaneK on 13/6/2015, 16:03:26, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"


It's hugely disappointing how Genius have managed this whole issue. Their first concern should have been for their customers well being. This has clearly not been the case. They have tried to keep this whole thing very low key with virtually no real information.

Their main priority appears to be to do what they can to minimise the impact on their brand and business.

For some reason they are so desperate to minimise ANY information being passed on that they have insisted their employees sign non disclosure agreements!! So if anyone involved in the production of GF products at Bathgate actually tries to tell someone outside the company about the problems (or name the ingredient) they will be disciplined and then sacked!!!

Nice way to treat staff and do business


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Colin (London) on 13/6/2015, 22:36:20, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"


This whole business gets more and more incredible. Genius are just getting paranoid about the whole business. Of course they will want to keep the adverse reaction to and publicity of the problem to a minimum but you do that by acting promptly and in the best interests of your consumers. You provide as much information as you can and ensure it is credible. Every step they are taking just seems to inflame the situation and prolong it. By not revealing the "dry ingredient" they make one wonder what they have got to hide.


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Sandra (EK) on 13/6/2015, 22:45:17, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"

Meanwhile, CUK are saying very little. CUK obviously read what is said on this forum and no doubt others, and they have not even reassured it's members about the prescription items i.e. the pitta bread etc. come on CUK your members are very unhappy at this situation.

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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Bill on 14/6/2015, 7:21:32, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"

Genius are big contributors to CUK through advertising spend! Gives them a say



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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Sandra (EK) on 14/6/2015, 8:46:50, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"

Bill that is very cynical but you are probably correct. Money speaks.


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Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell

Posted by Colin ( London) on 14/6/2015, 10:37:47, in reply to "Re: Prescription Genius & Livwell"

It's the way of the world.

[kickingfrog]

6 June 2015

Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Tesco and Genius have recalled some of their gluten-free products due to gluten contamination. The links below provide information on the affected products and contact details if you have any queries. The level of gluten detected in the products is thought to be between 5 and 80 parts per million (ppm), which is a very low level of contamination, and unlikely to be an ongoing risk to health.

We understand people may be very worried about this situation and we share your concern. We are actively investigating the extent and cause of these recalls and will keep you updated on the situation as we continue our investigations.

Asda Free From Pitta Breads
Asda Free From Pizza Bases
Asda Free From Garlic and Coriander Naan Breads

Sainsbury's Freefrom Pizza Base, Freefrom 4 Multiseeded Pitta breads, Freefrom 4 Sultana Scones, Freefrom 4 White Pitta breads, Freefrom 6 Syrup Pancakes, Freefrom 2 Garlic & Coriander Naan

Waitrose Gluten Free Pancakes, Gluten Free Pitta and Gluten-free Scones

Genius crumpets, Livwell crumpets and Livwell Naan

Please check the following statement from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) ,
which lists all the products being recalled from the supermarkets. In addition, the FSA statement regarding the recall from Genius.

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation.

www.coeliac.org.uk/about-us/news/genius-asda-and-sainsburys-product-recalls/

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[kickingfrog]

Food Standards Agency
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Genius Foods recalls some gluten free products as they may contain gluten

Last updated: 7 June 2015

genius and livwell crumpets

Genius Foods has recalled the gluten-free products listed below as they may contain gluten. This means they are a possible health risk for those with an allergy or intolerance to gluten. If you have bought one of these products and have an allergy or intolerance to gluten, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store where it was bought.
The products being recalled are:

Product: Genius Crumpets
'Best before' dates: 18 June 2015 - 26 June 2015

Product: Livwell Gluten Free Crumpets
'Best before' date: 18 June 2015 – 26 June 2015

Product: Livwell Garlic Naan
'Best before' dates: 09 July 2015 – 28 August 2015

Genius Foods has notified their Customers of the issue and has recalled the products listed above. Genius Foods has also contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will inform their members about the recall.

If you have bought one of these products and have an allergy or intolerance to gluten, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store where it was bought.

[kickingfrog]

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FULL INTERVIEW

In an incident that shocked the free­from market, a raft of branded and own­label products manufactured by leading supplier Genius Foods were pulled from shelves
last week.
The recall of 24 products ­ including Genius branded crumpets, Livwell branded lines and own­label products from the big five retailers ­ has damaged consumer faith
in what had been a beacon brand for gluten­avoiders, with many outraged and distressed by the incident.
Speaking exclusively to The Grocer, Genius Foods CEO Roz Cuschieri explains how the contamination took place, how trade partners reacted, and how the business is
hoping to rebuild trust among coeliacs and gluten­avoiders.
RC: It has been a challenging week – no more so than for our consumers and retailers as well as Genius. We have upset a lot of consumers and it is our job to rebuild
that trust and confidence. I’d like to start by expressing my sincere apologies to all of your readers any consumers and our customers who have been impacted by the
events of the last week; it’s not what Genius is about, we are in the business of making lives better and easier.
What was the source of the contamination?
A small quantity of dry ingredient that had very low levels of gluten in it made its way into our bakery. It’s a commercial, industrial­scale ingredient that’s not for sale
in the supermarkets and does not pose any risk to consumers, a fact we have been at pains to share with consumers. I can’t share any more information on the
ingredient.
In one of your statements you said this was not a supplier issue – how did an ingredient containing gluten enter your bakery?
The incident happened as a result of human error – we are conducting a full investigation to understand how it happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
How much time passed between the contamination and you becoming aware of it?
We have a routine, regular set of testing protocols that happen as part of the day­to­day course of business. As soon as our testing procedure highlighted the low­level
trace of gluten we acted very quickly. The most important thing to do was to identify the source, remove it, cease production and then clean down. While that was
happening we immediately informed our retail partners and the FSA, who have procedures and protocol that they work to. We then spoke to our consumers as quickly
as we could to alert them to the issue through Facebook and other social channels. Charity Coeliac UK has also been very helpful into helping us to communicate with
consumers quickly.
Why was the recall announced in two stages? (A second batch of products was recalled days after the original notice)
Testing protocols take some time and for a purely precautionary set of reasons we added an additional set of products to this test to mitigate any further risk to
consumers. We then shared the results with our retailers. I can’t speak on behalf of products that we make for retailers, we provided the results to the retailers and it is
their call to make – I would stress that this was purely a precautionary measure.
How will you prevent a similar contamination happening in future? What changes have you made to working practices?
We have a rigorous testing procedure in place and arereviewing every step and point involved in that internal practice. We have reviewed our internal testing facility,
the external laboratories that we use, and all of our materials are tested and checked and we are reviewing the whole testing protocol and supply testing chain. We are
very confident, having done the exercise, that the right checks are in place and the improved procedures we have put in place are being followed.
Can you say what the direct financial cost of the recall will be to the business?
We can’t put a cost on it yet – it was less than two weeks ago and it is just too early to say.
There are clearly a lot of upset customers out there – including some claiming contaminated products made them ill. Are you looking to
compensate consumers in any way?
We have a number of coeliacs that work for us within the Genius business, including Lucinda [Genius founder Lucinda Bruce­Gardyne] who has two boys with severe
allergies to gluten and dairy, so we feel this very acutely. We are very keen for any affected consumers to get in touch – we have loads of ways for them to do that. I
think it is very important we speak to consumers in an individual way so we can understand their specific concerns and deal with the right solution for that consumer
dependent on their particular circumstance.
We have a large customer care team for the size of business we are, because gluten­free and free­from is a very involved business and consumers look for a lot of input
and have a lot of questions in general. I’m delighted we have such a focused and engaged customer care team who are working tirelessly to speak to consumers about
their particular case. We will pick up with each consumer on an individual basis.
How damaging do you feel this will be for the brand?
The events have impacted the trust our retailers and consumers place on Genius so there will be an impact and we want to do everything we can to fix this ­ and we are
not underestimating the challenge we have ahead of us. We have got a big job to do in rebuilding trust and confidence with consumers and customers and have started
that journey.
Have you seen any drop­off in sales as a result of the incident? Do you expect to?
It is too early to say [what effect this will have on sales] but we are not underestimating the impact it could have.
Have any retailers delisted Genius products, or those you supply under other labels, following this incident?
17/06/2015 Genius Foods gluten contamination: CEO Roz Cuschieri speaks out
www.thegrocer.co.uk/buying­and­supplying/food­safety/genius­foods­gluten­contamination­ceo­roz­cuschieri­speaks­out/520173.article?utm_source… 2/2
They haven’t. While what happened should never have happened, our retail partners are working very closely with us to understand what we are doing as a result and
to get production back on track, which is happening as we speak. The recalled Genius products are back in the market and we are producing the majority of retailer
lines now.
Retailers have appreciated the way in which we have operated as a business in a truly transparent way. They have worked with us from an understanding perspective
– we are very grateful for their understanding and cooperation and I would like to thank them for the way they have worked with us.
Our job is to build sales and velocity back as quickly as we can. The activity we are putting in place and the way we are looking to engage with our retail partners
should deliver that.
How do you now plan to repair the damage to the brand and rebuild trust?
We are here to make life easier not more challenging, and we need to rebuild the consumer’s perception in that regard.
We have been engaging very actively with our customers and we need to be very proactive in that way. We are working through a very detailed marketing plan that will
involve engaging directly with the consumers who have been most impacted. We also have programmes of activity that we are discussing by retailer. We are looking at
different ways of rebuilding confidence that could involve in­store activity, online, to coupons – lots of different things.
Our relationships with retailers, customers and consumers is hugely important to us and our activity will be very focused around those relationships.

[kickingfrog]

Genius Foods Gluten Free Products - recall

The following notice has been issued by the Food Standards Agency:

Genius Foods recalls some gluten free products as they may contain gluten

Genius Foods has recalled the gluten-free products listed below as they may contain gluten. This means they are a possible health risk for those with an allergy or intolerance to gluten. If you have bought one of these products and have an allergy or intolerance to gluten, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store where it was bought.

The products being recalled are:

Product: Genius Crumpets
'Best before' dates: 18 June 2015 - 26 June 2015

Product: Livwell Gluten Free Crumpets
'Best before' date: 18 June 2015 – 26 June 2015

Product: Livwell Garlic Naan
'Best before' dates: 09 July 2015 – 28 August 2015

www.tradingstandards.uk/advice/advice-recall-item.cfm?id=312894