Guernsey Dairy Has Problems With Cheese & Organic Milk Production

 

 

Guernsey Dairy has encountered issues with both its cheese packaging and organic milk production over recent weeks, impacting product availability. Customers are returning cheese after problems with the packaging equipment meant it has been going mouldy.

Managing Director Andrew Tabel revealed that faulty seals on the back of some mild cheese packaging had ‘caused a slow leak of the nitrogen/CO2 mix, which is essential for preserving cheese and extending its shelf life’.

While only a small number of the distributed packs were affected, the decision was made to withdraw remaining stock as a precaution. So far, around 30 packs have been returned out of the 1,620 distributed during the affected period. Tabel assured that adjustments to the packaging equipment had been made, and a trial run with rigorous checks would soon confirm if the problem was fully resolved.

On the organic milk front, Tabel explained that an outdated thermograph, used to measure temperatures, needed replacement, but a direct substitute was unavailable. Engineers fitted a similar device, which is currently being programmed. A trial will determine if organic milk can return to shelves in the coming days.

Local retailers indicated minimal disruption. Ian Wood, a local supplier, noted only a few customer complaints regarding spoiled cheese, which were quickly resolved with replacements or refunds. The issue with organic milk, which has persisted for about four weeks, affected only a small portion of the product line and caused no significant difficulties.

Patrick Kilroy-Doyle, who supplies the Forest Stores, said he had not been adversely affected on this occasion. ‘Apart from having no organic milk it’s been business as usual really,’ he said.

Retailers have been kept informed throughout, and with corrective measures underway, Tabel expects operations to return to normal soon.