Budget retailer Aldi had to issue an apology, after its Indian snack of Black Pudding Pakora by Scottish company Punjab Pakora, was labelled 'halal' making it suitable for Muslims, who are actually forbidden to eat pork. Black pudding is generally made from pork blood and a relatively high proportion of oatmeal.
The product contained a UK Health Code stamp which means it is suitable for consumption by Muslims, however, on checking the ingredients of the product, it was found that the item contained pork, especially pork blood and skin.
An Aldi spokesman reportedly said, "'Regarding the Punjab Pakora Black Pudding 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."
Kushal and Vinita Duggal, who own Punjab Pakora reportedly told the Daily Mail, “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."
Outraged customers reportedly told of their disgust that neither Punjab Pakora nor Aldi had spotted the mistake until too late.
Thee Mail reported Manahil Khan said, “This is absolutely outrageous and I am deeply offended by this.
“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.'
