Mussels recalled across France over expiry date error

Several batches of mussels have been recalled across French supermarket chain E.Leclerc after a packaging error left products displaying the wrong expiry date. 

The mussels – all cultivated using the ‘Bouchot’ method – were sold in 1.4 kg packets, either in the fish aisle or direct at in-store fishmongers. 

Bouchot mussels are grown on ropes strung around poles nestled on beaches, as opposed to being harvested wildly off of rocky shorelines.

Official product recall site RappelConso said the mussels had the wrong expiry date printed on them, showing date limite de consommation (DLC) around one month later than the actual date the molluscs should have been used by. 

This in turn led to a ‘microbiological risk’ if consumed in error. 

Five batches of mussels were recalled:

• Des moules de Bouchot de la baie du Mont Saint-Michel, Les Viviers d’Armor brand, lot numbers 24-40989, 24-40984, 24-40983, 24-40984, 24-40994, 24-40986 and 24-41013 (this is listed twice on the recall site, although the information is the same)

• Des moules de Bouchot de la baie du Mont Saint-Michel, Nos régions ont du talent brand, lot numbers 24-40994

• Des moules de Bouchots Spécialité traditionnelle garantie, Atelier Poissonnerie brand, lot numbers 24-40989, 24-40984 and 24-40983

• Des moules de Bouchots STG de Saint-Brieuc, Les Viviers d’Armor brand, lot number 24-40983

• Des moules de Bouchot Chausey, Les Viviers d'Armor brand, lot number 24-40984

You can find more information listed on the RappelConso website here. 

Consumers are invited to bring the product back to the store of purchase for a full refund, however E.Leclerc has not set a deadline for this. 

Otherwise the mussels should be thrown away and not consumed under any circumstances. 

Read more: Major French supermarket chain issues product recall for dessert