Salmonella traces found in Bovril

Only certain dated jars and tubs are affected

Thousands of jars of Bovril have been recalled after routine checks revealed traces of salmonella.

Maker Unilever said it was recalling 15,000 jars and 72 plastic tubs of the beef extract made during a specific period "as a precautionary measure".

They are 250g glass jars of Bovril with a best-before-end date of January 2010 and 600g plastic tubs of the extract with the same best-before-end date.

Customers can call a free helpline for further information on 0800 146 252.

The batch codes of the 250g glass jars of Bovril affected are: L8201XX795, L8206XX795, L8207XX795 and L8208XX795.

The recalled 600g plastic tubs have a batch code of L8207XX795.

The date and codes can be found on the back label of glass jars or on the base of plastic tubs.

Manufacturing stopped

A spokeswoman for Unilever said: "The health and safety of our consumers is paramount and we would like to reassure them that only a small volume of production has been affected."

A greater quantity was being recalled "as a precautionary measure" and manufacturing of Bovril had been suspended until additional tests confirmed it was safe to resume, she said.

An investigation had been launched and the company was working closely with the Food Standards Agency to ensure it did not happen again, she added.

Customers are being advised not to return the product to the company by post or return it to the retailer but instead to dispose of it with other rubbish.