Dairy Crest recalls spread amidst brand push

The company said corresponding Vitalite tubs with a best before date of 25 June 2008 actually do contain small amounts of soy (also known as soya) lecithin & vitamin D derived from lanolin, which made it unsuitable for vegans or those allergic to soy. Last week, the company issued recalls on matching tubs with three other best before dates - 2 May 2008, 28 May 2008, 26 June 2008 - due to the same concerns. The company said it had therefore moved to withdraw the corresponding tubs from sale, although it claimed that this will amount to a 'limited number' of the product being removed. Dairy Crest was unable to specify how significant this could be for its operations at the time of going to press. The problem was unique to the company's 2kg tubs of Vitalite and posed no danger to consumers that are not allergic to soy. The group's comments come after it last week said that its core-branded dairy goods had continued to drive growth, highlighting the importance of ensuring allergy labeling is sufficient on packaging. Dairy Crest has had problems with recalls during the last year, which have setback its financial aims. The company said operational difficulties with its Clover range of spreads forced it to recall the brands in May over fears of mould contamination. Sales volumes for the product, which is highlighted by the company as one of its flagship brands, was negatively impacted as a result, Dairy Crest said. In its latest trading statement, the group nonetheless said that it expected to meet its profit expectations for the full 2007 financial year ended 31 March.