According to the consumer magazine, the test measured residues of pesticides in certain batches of our product that, according to their information, exceed the legally permissible limit. We had the batches mentioned by the consumer magazine and other batches tested by several independent specialist laboratories. Our supplier also checked its raw materials. These analyses did not confirm the alleged measurements. All the values we have are within the applicable limits. Based on these laboratory results, our risk assessment concludes that there is no acute health risk to consumers.
Nevertheless, as long as the cause of the differing test results has not been clearly established, we are taking consistent precautionary measures and recalling the batches that are allegedly affected. The customers concerned have already been informed.
What happened?
A consumer magazine has informed us that an analysis of our hummus powder has revealed that the legal maximum levels for various pesticides have been exceeded.
Our response: all the levers in motion
1. Comprehensive analysis: We had the allegedly affected batch as well as other batches tested by two independent laboratories. Our supplier also re-examined the analyses of its raw materials. The result: All of our analyses showed no deviations from our high quality standards and thus also from legal requirements.
2. Dialogue with the consumer magazine: We provided the consumer magazine with our full analysis results prior to publication. In order to clarify the contradiction between the test results, we repeatedly asked the consumer magazine to disclose their detailed test methodology to us. To date, this has been refused. A scientific, well-founded and fair review requires transparency on both sides.
3. Dialogue with the authorities: As is customary in such cases, the testing laboratory of the consumer magazine informed the responsible food monitoring authority of its test results. As we did not initially receive any information from the competent authority, we took proactive action ourselves: we informed the authority about the differing laboratory results from a consumer magazine. As the results are currently contradictory and the cause has not yet been clarified, we are taking precautionary action and recalling the batches in question, even though a final assessment by the authorities is still pending.
4. Precautionary recall: We have already contacted the affected customers directly by email and initiated an automatic refund of the purchase price. Other batches and other products from our range are not affected. If you have not heard from us, you can assume that your product batch is not affected.
How we ensure quality at KoRo
Food safety is non-negotiable for us. To ensure that you can always snack with confidence, we follow a strict, risk-based quality assurance system:
- Certified processes: As an IFS Broker-certified company, we have our processes regularly audited by independent, accredited bodies.
- Strict supplier selection: We prefer to work with certified partner companies. All suppliers must undergo a standard procedure that includes things such as HACCP (hazard analysis) and strict foreign body management.
- Safety first: Our products are regularly tested by independent, accredited specialist laboratories whose testing methods comply with strict international standards. In addition, our suppliers also have their raw materials and products tested regularly.
- Our promise to you: If we ever identify a quality defect, we will not hesitate to take immediate action, such as recalling goods, working closely with the authorities and providing you with transparent and comprehensive information. We did the same in this case. We closed our warehouse and tested and checked our entire stock. We immediately contacted the consumer magazine, offered our cooperation and informed them about the discrepancies in our tests.
We are committed to continuously optimising our processes in order to offer you the safest and tastiest products. Your safety and trust are very important to us. If you have any further questions, please contact service@korodrogerie.de or support@koro.ie