Food & Drink
Hospital’s catering staff helped fuel response to pandemic

If, as Napoleon famously declared, an army marches on its stomach, Swansea Bay Health Board’s catering team deserves particular mention in despatches.
The health board says that as Wales pauses to reflect on the second anniversary of the first lockdown on Wednesday, it’s worth remembering that so many people, from a range of departments, each played their part in its response to Covid.
From doctors and nurses to porters and cleaners, and everyone in between, they all stepped up to the mark and did their bit when called upon, and should feel rightly proud of themselves.
When accolades are handed out, however, there is one group that is often overlooked but their role in helping our hospitals remain open is as vital as the next – the catering staff.
A good example of going above and beyond was at Morriston where a night service was introduced during the first lockdown, lifting morale and ensuring staff were well fed.
Reflecting on his pandemic experience Paul Mugford (pictured above), a cook based in Morriston Hospital, said: “I first realised that it was developing into a serious situation towards the end of March 2020.
“I saw changes being made around the hospital, such as adding extra intensive care units and a special bay to clean the ambulances. I knew then that something was coming.
“I wouldn’t say that anyone was scared at the beginning, but obviously some were nervous. I can remember the first cases that were here and seeing them lockdown the corridors so they could be moved between wards.
“Despite this, morale was pretty good. We could see that it was going to be tough, but everyone lifted themselves, we were all up for the fight.
“I’ve worked for the NHS for 25 years and what comes our way, comes our way. You can’t shy away from it. It’s my job. I never felt particularly at risk.”
The 50-year-old father of three, who helps prepare and serve up food for patients on wards and staff in the hospital’s canteen, also saw the growing danger form Covid on the home front.
“My wife, who is a staff nurse, caught Covid early on, before vaccinations, and although she avoided being hospitalised she had it pretty bad and it affected her for months.
“She then caught it again a week before the first Covid Christmas – so we have had our fair share.”
Soon after the first lockdown began, the department adapted its opening hours to accommodate staff working the later shifts.
“The biggest change to our routine came when they introduce a night service to our dining room, from 9pm to midnight, to cater for the night staff – the nurses, doctors and consultants,” Paul said.
“Previously, there was only a vending machine service as at the start of lockdown they shut the shops and food outlets, anywhere they could get food delivered from, and they were restricted with shopping in supermarkets.
“It was easier during the day but they couldn’t get food during the night.”
Paul said the new late service was operated by staff volunteering to work additional hours.
“It was all done on overtime. People would work longer hours. I was supposed to finish at 8pm but would be in work until 12.30am.
“We all pretty much volunteered – it was never put on our rota as having to do it. There was a team of 13 or 14 cooks and lead food services assistants who said that they were happy to work those hours.
“Some had children and family commitments which didn’t allow them to work that late. Those who could, did.”
The move, he said, was greatly appreciated.
“The feedback from the staff has been brilliant from the start. You would hear comments like, ‘I can’t believe you are doing this’.
“Ninety-nine per cent of them were out on their feet and were just grateful to be able to come upstairs and get curry and chips and a coffee.
“What we found is, say there were eight staff on a ward, they would send two up, because they couldn’t all leave the ward, and take eight meals back with them.”
Paul added that he found the experience rewarding.
He said: “I felt as though I was doing my bit because of the feedback we had over the first few months.
“We would see nurses who were exhausted, and you could see that they were so grateful to be able to have a cup of coffee – we were also giving out free hot drinks – and something to eat.
“The hospital couldn’t operate without the sum of all its departments. You need a porter, you need a cook, you need a cleaner, you need someone working in the lab – we are all cogs in a big machine.
“I cook the food and then help serve it so I get a lot of contact with all departments, doctors, nurses, domestics. I think that they all appreciate one another.”
Eleri Hiscott, junior sister in Morriston, was one of many to appreciate the efforts of Paul and his colleagues.
She said: “It was nice not to have to think about what to bring in for food during the night shift as the catering service decided to open and made it easy.
“It was one worry off your mind during the pandemic. They were very good.
“They played their part, like everything in the hospital, if one thing doesn’t work, then nothing works.”
(Lead image: Swansea Bay NHS)
Food & Drink
Chicken products recalled at a dozen national retailers due to salmonella fears

The Food Safety Authority (FSA) has issued a recall notice for cooked chicken sandwiches, wraps and other products sold at TWELVE major retailers due to salmonella fears.
The products were supplied by food producer Cranswick Country Foods who manufacture own-brand products for a number of supermarkets and food outlets.
In a statement the FSA said: “Cranswick Country Foods are recalling several products containing chicken because salmonella has been found in some of the chicken used to manufacture these products.
“As a precaution additional products are also being recalled whilst investigations continue.”
Products sold by Aldi, Waitrose, Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Costa, Cafe Nero, M&S, Starbucks, Shell, One Stop and Tesco are all affected by the warning.
Aldi Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wraps Mixed Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Waitrose Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Entertaining Meat Roulade Wrap Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Essential Chicken Mayo Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken Salad with Salad Cream Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Aldi Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wrap Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Use by Amazon Arabiatta Chicken Pasta Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon BBQ Chicken Hot wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken and Bacon Caesar Baguette Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken and Spinach Protein Pot Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Tikka Bites Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Harissa Chicken and Grain Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Aldi Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Amazon Katsu Chicken and Coconut Slaw Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Lemongrass Chicken Grain Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Mexican Chicken Mini Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Sweet Chilli Chicken Noodle Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Thai Chicken Hot Box Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Tikka Chicken & Masala Potato Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Sage & Onion Chicken Breast Slice 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Café Chicken & Bacon Topped Toastie Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Cajun Chicken Grills 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Chicken Slices 160g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 Aldi Chicken Beechwood Smoked Bacon and Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Chicken Slices 300g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Salt & Chilli Thigh Fillets 150g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken and Bacon Sub Roll Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken with Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken, Bacon & Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Classic Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 Aldi Eat & Go Chicken and Bacon Club with Mayo Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Classic Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Firecracker Chicken Slices 160g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Flamegrilled Chicken Grills 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Flamegrilled Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast Slices 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Gluten Free Chicken Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Gluten Free Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Grilled Tandoori Chicken Thigh Fillets 150g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Jerk Chicken Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 Aldi Eat & Go Classic Selection Chicken Salad, Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Prawn Mayonnaise Sandwiches Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Kansas City BBQ Wings 486g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Meat Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Mexican Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Piri Piri Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Spring on the Lemon Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Thai Red Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Wrap Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsburys Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s TTD Greek Chicken & Tzatziki Premium Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 Caffé Nero Chargrilled Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Aldi Flavoured Mini Chicken Fillets; Mango Curry & Shwarma Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Co-op Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken and Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken Mayo Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Chicken Curry with Egg Fried Rice 400g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Chow Mein 375g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Sweet and Sour Chicken with Egg Fried Rice 400g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Costa British Chicken Fajita Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Costa British Roast Chicken & Bacon Classic Toastie Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Costa Chicken & Chorizo Stonebaked Panini Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 ‘Jamie Oliver deli by Shell’ Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S 14 Piece Classic Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 M&S Classic Mini Roll Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 M&S Deli Filler Coronation Chicken Use by All use by dates up to and including 17 May 2022 M&S Made Without Wheat Gluten Free Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Roast Chicken & Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S The Café Classic Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Aldi Roast Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S The Café Gluten Free Chicken Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Honey and Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S Chicken and Bacon Layered Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S Chicken Caesar Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 One Stop BBQ Chicken Chunks 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 One Stop Sliced Roast Chicken Breast 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Starbucks Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Tesco BBQ Chicken Breast Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 180g (Express) Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Aldi Sweet Chilli Chicken Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 360g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Coronation Chicken Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Fajita Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Flame Grilled Chicken Thins 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Piri Piri Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Piri Piri Chicken Breast Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Sliced Chicken Breast with Sage & Onion 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Tandoori Chicken Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022
A full list of products affected is available on the FSA website.
The FSA added: “Our advice to consumers If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.”
(Lead image: Lara604 / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Food & Drink
Supermarket Aldi to stock Ukrainian beer with profits going to humanitarian relief

Supermarket Aldi has announced it will sell Chernigivske, Ukraine’s most popular beer brand, in stores nationwide.
Priced at £9.99 for a pack of ten 440ml cans, all profits from sales will go towards humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Brand-owner AB InBev is guaranteeing at least $5m from the initiative, with funds distributed across designated NGOs.
Chernigivske, also known locally as “Che”, is considered a national treasure in Ukraine.
Originally brewed as a gift to celebrate the 1,300-year anniversary of the city from which it got its name, Chernigiv, it remains the number one beer brand in Ukraine.

Like many Ukrainian businesses, the Chernigiv brewery closed its doors at the end of February. However, the brand has since started producing its lager in three breweries across Europe, with plans to open additional locations across the globe. Aldi proudly stands in partnership with Chernigivske, stocking the beer across stores nationwide, making every can count.
“Che” is a crisp and refreshing lager, originally brewed with character that perfectly balances strength and spirit; fruity aromas highlighted with light hoppy notes. It is a traditional Ukrainian lager loved and shared by generations of Ukrainians.
Chernigivske lager is available in Aldi stores from 1st May, £9.99 for 10 x440ml and available as a pack of 4 from mid-May, while stocks last.
Business
Lidl offers ‘finders fee’ for new supermarket sites – with Swansea one of their top targets

Budget supermarket Lidl has announced it’s on the lookout for new sites across the country – and is calling on the public to help.
The discounter, which is investing £1.3 billion in its expansion across 2021 and 2022, has revealed that it is offering a finder’s fee to members of the public who successfully identify suitable sites for new Lidl stores.
The fee is either 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds, which would equate to £22,500 for a completed £1.5m site purchase.
The news comes as Lidl publishes its annual list of locations across the country where it is interested in acquiring sites for potential store developments – with Swansea featuring highly.
The list includes, amongst many others: Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Southampton, Swansea, Birmingham, Sheffield, Cambridge, Edinburgh
Since the beginning of 2022, Lidl has already opened 23 new stores. In Swansea it is looking to open new stores in Fforestfach, Mumbles, Killay and Pontarddulais. It is also looking to relocate its existing Penlan store.
The discount retailer has already submitted planning applications for new stores in Blackpill and Parc Trostre in Llanelli.
In March 2022 it became the 6th largest supermarket in the UK.
Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “We know that the majority of British shoppers still love doing their shopping in person and we are as committed as ever to opening new stores and enhancing our existing ones.
“We’re opening an average of one new store a week, which is incredible, and our teams have done a phenomenal job of keeping that pace going over the last couple of years. But there are still communities up and down the country that are telling us how much they want – and need – a Lidl store.
“We work with some of the best people in the industry to identify new sites, but we also know how engaged our future and existing customers are and we want to build on this.
“Our finder’s fees are, therefore, available to absolutely anyone that can identify a viable option for a new store that we’re not already aware of, and we welcome any suitable suggestions that will help up us to meet our ambitious target of 1,100 stores by the end of 2025.”
Members of the public who know of potential sites are encouraged to check details against Lidl’s site requirements and contact the supermarket’s Property team with further details.
-
Business2 weeks ago
River Island launches its brand new Swansea concept store this weekend
-
Music4 weeks ago
Big 90s Festival is heading for Swansea’s Singleton Park
-
Port Talbot1 week ago
Port Talbot scaffolder jailed for heading-up drug gang
-
Police and Crime3 weeks ago
Swansea crowned the UK’s 9th safest city to live in
-
Morriston2 weeks ago
Motorcyclist dies in Morriston crash
-
Neath3 weeks ago
Murder investigation after death of 66 year-old Neath man
-
Port Talbot6 days ago
Police launch appeal to find missing disabled woman
-
Awards3 weeks ago
Swansea handyman is finalist in UK-wide local hero awards competition