The product contained traces of pork blood and pork skin, both forbidden in Islam.
The Black pudding product was stocked on Aldi shelves as well as online, carrying a UK Health Code stamp which certified it as suitable for Muslims.
After being contacted by enraged customers, the supermarket has apologized and offered refunds to unhappy customers. The Pakora was supplied by Scotland-based company Punjab Pakora, which produces a number of Indian dishes.
The owners of Punjab Pakora, Kushal & Vinita Duggal said the error occurred after to a manager in charge of printing on product labels did not notice the mistake.
“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.”
An Aldi spokesman said the company is investigating the incident.
“Regarding the Punjab Pakora Black Pudding Pakora (Supplied by Punjab Pakora), we have now investigated this matter with the supplier, who has advised that the packaging was incorrectly labeled as halaal-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.”
Enraged customers expressed their frustration that neither Punjab pakora nor Aldi were able to spot the error before it was too late.
“This is absolutely outrageous and I am deeply offended by this,” said Manahil Khan, a customer.
“It is demoralising 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 halaal food or lies about what we consume.”
