People who have bought food products from a firm selling at markets across Kent have been warned they could die if they eat them.

The Food Standards Agency today confirmed sauces, soups and meals made by Moonshine’s Products might prove fatal if consumed and the glass bottles containing them may even explode.

It comes as the owner of the Canterbury-based business shared a now-deleted statement on Facebook warning of the dangers, adding: "This is no joke. I'm really sorry people."

The FSA today confirmed “temperature control breaches, microbiological contamination risks and other potential food safety risks” had led to the recall notice.

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA said: “Moonshine’s Products Ltd are recalling a range of products because of possible serious food safety risks including contamination, which makes them unsafe to eat and means they could potentially cause severe illness or death if consumed.

“There is also a risk the bottles may explode which could cause harm. We therefore strongly advise any consumers who have these products to follow the advice in the product recall.

“If you have any of these products, do not eat them and handle the bottles with care.

“The Food Standards Agency is continuing to work with Dover District Council in response to their concerns regarding food safety management controls at the business and assessments of food safety risks are ongoing.

“There are no reported cases of illness linked to these products.”

The business earlier warned it had been notified of the potential presence of clostridium botulinum in its products and although there is currently no evidence it is in them, the FSA confirmed an investigation is taking place into “risks as a result of unsafe production procedures”.

According to the World Health Organisation, the bacterium produces toxins that can lead to botulism - a serious, potentially deadly disease.

The business, which is based in Denton near Canterbury, wrote in a now-deleted statement: “Product recall, serious alert to all customers of Moonshine’s Products.

“All products have been deemed potentially fatal by the EHO and Food Standards Agency.

“The warning says that all of my products could contain ‘clostridium botulinum’ which can prove fatal.

“If you have bought any products from Moonshine’s Products including sauces, meals, or soups they have the potential to be fatal.

“This is no joke. Very serious situation so I am told and I know lots of you will have already consumed my products and maybe not been affected by them.”

The post goes on to warn customers who have purchased the products to stop eating them.

“If you have any products of mine open or unopened, please stop consuming them immediately,” it continues.

“Products have been sent out for testing at the environmental health laboratory and could potentially contain the deadly bacteria.

“Although tests won’t prove scientific if the products have or ever have had the bacteria in or if they ever will in the future.

“I’m really sorry people.”

The FSA released a list of 15 items which are being recalled for dates up to and including September 2024: Moonshine’s Products Chilli con Brisket (400g), Moonshine’s Products Guinness Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products 3 Green Chilli Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Chilli – Pineapple Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Burger Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Chip Shop Curry Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Bolognese (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Chicken Curry (400g), Moonshine’s Products Satay Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Sweet BBQ Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Sweet Chilli Sauce (250ml), Moonshine’s Products Tomato and Tarragon Soup (400g), Moonshine’s Products Carrot and Coriander Soup (400g), Moonshine’s Products Habanero Sauce (250ml).

Lauren Brown purchased some of the business’ Guinness BBQ sauce from the Herne Bay Artisan Market which was on Sunday, October 8, and says she has eaten about two-thirds of the bottle.

The 30-year-old told KentOnline she has felt ill this week - but is unsure if the product is to blame.

“I was quite shocked to be honest, as you wouldn’t expect something like that when purchasing a more expensive sauce than your supermarket, as it’s more of a luxury item I’d say,” she said.

“I have had an unwell stomach this week but it’s hard to pinpoint if it’s because of the sauce.”

In a further update early this morning the business owner posted: “So I have decided… I’m calling the shots now.

“When the results of the lab tests come in for my products I will share with you all openly whether they are positive or negative, until then, do as you please.

“If you do have any of my products please send me pictures of the products you have if you have consumed them then you are probably ok.

“If you feel unsure or unsafe then please contact me asap and I’ll do my best to sort it out for you, I only sold at three markets this year and know what I sold, refunds will be available in some circumstances but not all.

“For example if you tell me that you bought £30 worth of products from me and have no pictures of the products or nothing to prove you ever bought anything, sorry but no refund, because to get a refund you must surely have not eaten it or partly eaten it so you’ll be able to show evidence of that.

“Massive thank you to those still supporting me, I appreciate it deeply from my heart, this is not the end I will be back with verified products.”

Moonshine’s Products also had a stall at Cliftonville Farmers' Market on Sunday, September 24, and Sunday, July 30.

On the Food Standards Agency website, the business is awaiting a food hygiene inspection.

The firm’s website is also closed and KentOnline has made attempts to contact the business for further comment.

The environmental health team at Dover District Council (DDC) is dealing with the case.

Moonshine’s Products original social media post about the product recall was deleted on Friday afternoon and a new statement was published.

It said: “Right I’ve had enough of this so it’s time for no more Mr Nice guy.

“There is a product recall on some of my products.

“There is no evidence that anything contained any dangerous substance or bacteria.

“I was told by Dover District Council to continue with my business, no one has been sick and no one has died.

“I have customers from age 9-99 that’s not a joke that’s genuine…. Every one of my customers are healthy and have not been ill as a result of my products.”

The business, which has been approached for further comment, also confirmed in a reply to one Facebook user “all stock had to be destroyed today”.

Last month a woman died and 12 people were taken to hospital after an outbreak of botulism in sardines served at a restaurant in Bordeaux, France.