AS households in Scotland, the UK and around the world prepare for Burns Suppers on Monday, Marks & Spencer have yet again faced backlash for a haggis product.
Last year we reported on the product being labelled "British haggis, neeps and tatties en croute" after which M&S said they would "review" the packaging.
They have now removed the word "British" and the Union flag from the packaging but one National reader condemned the fact the food retailer had not identified the meal as a Scottish product.
READ MORE: Marks and Spencer blasted for haggis, neeps and tatties Union Jackery
Ian Heggie from Glenrothes, Fife, purchased the product from his local M&S Food Hall but also noticed that the meal came with a "Burns Night Whiskey Sauce" identifying the Irish/US spelling where Scots would use "whisky".
It is clearly intended for Scottish consumers to enjoy to celebrate Burns Night on, Scottish poet Robert Burns's birthday, January 25.
Ruth Watson started the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign which looks to establish clear provenance for Scottish produce, culture and heritage.
She said: "Given whisky can come from anywhere, with whiskey also having an international locus, how can customers be sure they are getting Scotch whisky, not a generic whisky from anywhere?
"This is one of the reasons clear food labels matter. When customers buy haggis in a whisky sauce, the implication is the food has produced in Scotland from local ingredients. Is this the case? And, if not, why not? Are Marks and Spencer appropriating iconic Scottish dishes without supporting Scottish producers?
"I hope this is a misunderstanding brought about through the use of careless or poorly-considered packaging.
READ MORE: MPs mock Westminster officials after Scotch whisky spelling gaffe
"There are some really awful whiskies out there. Surely Marks and Spencer would want to let customers know they are about to experience a delicious whisky sauce, not some generic spirit which could come from any old barrel? Or even a cheap whisky from North America which has gone through an 'age acceleration' process!"
"Not all whisky is created equal!"
A Marks & Spencer representative confirmed that the sauce was made from Scottish whisky and the packet wording was a "spelling error". The product not being identified as Scottish was not addressed.
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