National Canners items deemed safe

National Canners, based in Arima, produces a wide variety of items including canned peas and beans, tomato ketchup, jams, seasonings and pepper sauce, under four brands — Matouk, MP, Mabel and National.

The company’s Managing Director Jerry Matouk, yesterday told Newsday the tests were carried out in “an abundance of caution, which ultimately proved unfounded.” The company’s reputation for high standards also prompted it to remove certain items from supermarket shelves across the country over the past week.

When Newsday contacted president of the Supermarkets’ Association, Vernon Persad, yesterday afternoon he confirmed National Canners had removed two specific canned products from the shelves of his family’s chain of supermarkets — Persad’s D Food King.

“National Canners employees visited our Rio Claro store at 8.30 am on Monday and informed my store manager they were removing two products from our shelves because of an unspecified problem,” Persad said

“They didn’t say what the problem was but I have to commend the company and Mr Matouk for taking quick action to protect consumers from any potential harm. National Canners’ staff visit our supermarkets at least once a week,” Persad noted, “to inspect their products on the shelves and ensure everything is in order. That’s the sign of a very reputable company and I would urge the public not to panic about the safety of any National Canners products.”

The Ministry of Health’s Chemistry, Food and Drug Division yesterday afternoon confirmed to Newsday that it had been notified by the company of a situation but said National Canners had made it clear the problem in no way threatened public health or safety.