Recall of Knorr chicken soup in Mallorca: what buyers must do now

Recall of Knorr chicken soup in Mallorca: what buyers must do now

Key question: How could foreign objects get into a common packet soup — and how well does the system actually protect consumers here in Mallorca?

The Spanish food authority has ordered a recall for Knorr's instant chicken soup: metallic and rubber-like foreign objects were found in isolated packages of the "Sopa de pollo con fideos". The affected batches have the codes 527922C93 and 528022C93, and the printed best-before date is April 2027. The affected deliveries also went to the Balearic Islands.

That may sound abstract but it's real: foreign objects in food can cause cuts, choking hazards or broken teeth — not a matter for half-hearted warnings. In Mallorca supermarket shelves are often full in the morning, and people hurry by with bags from Plaça Major or Mercat de l'Olivar. Amid the noise and the smell of fresh oranges a packet can be easily overlooked.

Critical analysis: where it fails

The official notice makes clear that there was a production error. What is missing in the public debate so far: exactly how many packages were delivered to the country? Which distribution channels were affected — discount stores, local supermarkets or wholesalers? And finally: which controls at the production plant failed? Transparency on these points is still lacking.

Practically missing are also quick, clear contact points for consumers: many on Mallorca do not know whether to keep the package, film it or just throw it away, and how quickly an exchange or refund is possible.

What consumers should do immediately

- Check your supplies at home: is the best-before date April 2027? Do the batch codes match 527922C93 or 528022C93?
- If a package is affected: do not eat it. Photograph the packaging, record the batch code and preferably store the package safely (not in the organic waste bin so someone else does not find it).
- Return it: many retailers accept defective goods and refund the purchase price. Have your receipt ready if available.
- Report it: inform the Spanish food authority (AESAN/AEMPS) or the consumer advice centre — this helps clarify the spread of the problem.
- If you have health problems seek medical help immediately and bring the package information with you.

What pharmacies, food retailers and authorities should do

A simple procedure would be helpful here: clear notices at the entrances of affected branches, scanning batches during the recall and a central list of retailers that received the returned goods. Authorities should also coordinate communication so that shopping apps and checkout systems can trace batches more easily. For us as an island with many small retailers a fast information channel between wholesalers, supermarkets on Avinguda Jaume III or in Palma's industrial park and the control authorities would be useful.

What is missing from public debate

The discussion often focuses on blaming the manufacturer. More important would be to ask how to systematically improve the prevention of such errors: more frequent spot checks on production lines, independent controls, mandatory reporting routes in supply chains and better guidance for consumers in case of damage. And: who bears the costs if a household has to see a dentist because of a foreign object?

The issue of product liability and when retailers themselves must cover recall costs is also rarely addressed concretely. On an island like Mallorca with high tourist numbers, fast and clear rules are particularly important.

Concrete approaches

- Immediate: uniform procedure in retail: clear notices, acceptance of returns without discussion, reporting to local authorities.
- Short term: transparent publication of distribution quantities and affected branches by the responsible authority.
- Medium term: investments in automated batch inspection by manufacturers and mandatory foreign object detectors in critical production steps.
- Long term: better training for retailers and strengthening consumer rights, for example through a hotline or an online form on the island administration's website.

Everyday observation: On Passeig Mallorca an older man sits with his shopping basket, looks at the packet and says aloud: "At least before there were bones you could scoop out." Ironic, but it hits the point: trust in food is also trust in visible care.

Conclusion: The recall is annoying, but it works as an attention test: consumers should check packets and retailers take returns seriously. Authorities must now clearly break down distribution and demand measurable changes. And as islanders we should keep an eye on the pantry — especially in winter when packet soup is back on the table more often.