How to make a complaint about food - advice about the most common complaints we receive about foreign objects in food, with the action you should take.
This advice can also be downloaded as a leaflet in PDF format below.
Bakery Goods
Bakery Char
Bread and cakes may contain bits of over cooked dough which has flaked off bakery tins. It is not necessarily an indicator of poor hygiene. However it is sometimes mistaken for rodent droppings.
No public health risk
Action: Contact retailer
Carbonised Grease
The machinery used to produce bread and cakes is lubricated with a non-toxic vegetable oil. Occasionally some may become incorporated into dough giving areas of the product a grey/greasy appearance.
No public health risk
Action: Contact retailer
Chocolate and Confectionery
Bloom
Chocolate may develop a light coloured bloom if stored at too high a temperature. It is not mould but is due to fat separation. It is not harmful.
No public health risk
Action: Contact retailer
Crystals
Large crystals may form in confectionery and may be mistaken for glass. The crystal will dissolve in warm water.
No public health risk
Action: Contact retailer
