Rat found in tin of baked beans

A whole rat has been found inside a tin of baked beans. The dead rat climbed or fell into the tin at the factory, according to a post mortem which established it had been entombed during tinning.

A cook discovered the rodent on opening the catering tin. The tin’s manufacturer has not been disclosed by a local authority, but an ongoing investigation into the incident in January may lead to legal action.



Britain's most famous baked bean manufacturer, Heinz, issued a statement denying it was "in any way connected to this incident." The food scientist heading the inquiry said the rat’s presence indicated “severe failings somewhere in the food production process.” “This one of the ultimate horror stories,” he said.

“The rat had come to an untimely end, but was not possible to say if it had died before or after it got into the beans. But enzymatic tests established that it had been through the canning process. A post mortem examination showed that it hadn't eaten recently - it had not enjoyed a last meal of baked beans"