Controversies

Asda and Morrisons recall pasta products over possible Listeria contamination

Recall announced

Asda and Morrisons recalled three pasta products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The Food Standards Agency warned consumers not to eat the affected products.

B&M files claim against Morrisons over alleged IP infringement

Lawsuit filed

B&M Retail Limited filed a High Court claim against WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited and a senior buyer, alleging intellectual property infringement and breach of confidence. The claims remain allegations; the article says a hearing had yet to take place.

UK CMA opens inquiry into CD&R acquisition of Wm Morrison

Investigation

The UK Competition and Markets Authority opened a merger inquiry into Clayton, Dubilier & Rice's completed acquisition of Wm Morrison Supermarkets. The inquiry examines whether the completed deal may substantially lessen competition in UK markets. The CMA announced the launch of the merger inquiry on the completed acquisition.

Morrisons recalls soup product over possible health risks

Recall announced

In June 2021, Morrisons recalled a soup product because of possible health risks and an incorrect label. The source does not identify the specific product or specify the nature of the health risk. The recall was reported as a product safety action taken by the supermarket chain. No further details on the affected items, the reason for the health concern, or the outcome of the recall were provided in the source.

Morrisons is recalling a soup product because of possible health risks and an incorrect label. The source does not identify the product or specify the health risk.

Morrisons faces backlash over Morrisons Daily staff pay

Public backlash

In November 2021, Morrisons faced criticism following reports that staff at Morrisons Daily convenience stores were paid the minimum wage, despite Morrisons' publicized guarantee of at least £10 an hour. The reports noted that the Morrisons Daily stores were run by McColl's, and the coverage did not establish that Morrisons directly employed those staff. The article reported the criticism and employee concerns rather than any finding that Morrisons was the direct employer of the workers in question.

Morrisons faced backlash after reports that staff at Morrisons Daily convenience stores, run by McColl's, were paid the minimum wage despite Morrisons' publicized £10-an-hour guarantee. The article reports the criticism and employee concerns; it does not establish that Morrisons directly employed those staff.

Morrisons responds to food-labeling error

Company response

In November 2021, the UK supermarket Morrisons apologized after a chicken product was mistakenly labeled with "non-EU" wording for its salt and pepper. Customers criticized the label and threatened a boycott. Morrisons said it was changing the packaging immediately in response. The incident concerned a food-labeling error on the product's salt and pepper description.

Morrisons apologized for mistakenly labeling a chicken product with “non-EU” salt and pepper wording and said it was changing the packaging immediately after customers criticized the label and threatened a boycott.

Board criticism over Paula Vennells

Morrisons was criticised for retaining Paula Vennells as a non-executive director while public and political scrutiny focused on her leadership of the Post Office during the sub-postmasters scandal. She left Morrisons' board in April 2021.

UK Supreme Court rules Morrisons not vicariously liable for employee data breach

Ruling

The UK Supreme Court allowed Morrisons' appeal against judgments holding it vicariously liable for an insider data breach. The court said the employee's disclosure of payroll data online was not sufficiently connected to his work duties to impose vicarious liability.

The UK Supreme Court allowed Morrisons’ appeal against judgments holding it vicariously liable for an insider data breach. The court said the employee’s disclosure of payroll data online was not sufficiently connected to his work duties to impose vicarious liability.

Houmous recalled over salmonella concerns

Recall announced

Zorba Delicacies recalled affected houmous over contamination fears. Morrisons advised buyers of its Classic Houmous 200g tubs not to eat the product and to dispose of it; the retailer said it would refund the purchase.

Zorba Delicacies recalled the affected houmous over contamination fears. Morrisons advised buyers of its Classic Houmous 200g tubs not to eat the product and to dispose of it; the retailer said it would refund the purchase.

For Farmers milk payment presentation dispute

The retailer's For Farmers milk campaign was challenged over how its additional payment was routed and shared. Morrisons later changed the scheme to direct the full additional payment to a selected group of British farmers.

Snack Food Poco Loco UK recalls own-label meal kits over undeclared almond

Recall announced

Snack Food Poco Loco UK announced recalls of Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco own-label meal kits because they contained undeclared almond. The products contained paprika from a batch found to be contaminated with almond protein.

Christmas advertisement criticised over dog safety

Morrisons faced criticism from veterinary and animal-welfare organisations after an advertisement depicted a dog being fed Christmas pudding containing raisins or related dried fruit. The company said it had obtained veterinary advice and believed the risk was minimal.