Food manufacturer Heinz has recalled a product over fears that babies might choke on small pieces of plastic found in some pots.

The Daily Mail reports that the product affected is a batch of Fruity Custard, Fruit Medley baby food. A warning has been issued to parents and posters are being prepared for stores selling baby foods.

Consumers who may have bought the product are being advised not to use it – and to contact Heinz’s customer care line for a refund. The batch code affected is 9307 and the ‘best before’ date is November 3/2010. The company says that no other Heinz products are involved in the alert.

The product Fruity Custard, Fruit Medley is sold in packs of four pots, each weighing 100g. Heinz products normally pass through stringent safety checks before reaching consumers – and the revelation about this product is being seen as something of an embarrassment for the company.

Heinz issued the following statement on its website:

'Heinz is taking the precautionary measure of recalling part of an isolated batch of Heinz Fruity Custard, Fruit Medley baby food in 4 x 100g pots because of the potential presence of small pieces of plastic from the inside of the pot, which could present a choking risk. This product must not be consumed.

'If you have any pots of the affected product please call the Heinz UK Careline on 0800 015 1557 for a full refund – or in the Republic of Ireland, 1800 696979.

'We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’

The company and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued the alert when four parents contacted Heinz after finding small pieces of plastic in the product.

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