Sussex firm Shippam's has recalled thousands of pots of sandwich spread over fears they may be contaminated with pet food meat.

The Chichester-based company was alerted that chicken condemned as unfit for human consumption could have been used in its meat pastes and recalled some products as "a precautionary measure".

It was informed as part of an investigation centred around a pet food processing plant near Ripley, Derbyshire.

Police have been investigating claims that condemned meat was illegally diverted back into the human food chain.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency said: "Shippam's are taking this action as they may unwittingly have received and used in their products meat condemned as unfit for human consumption.

"This is a precautionary measure as it is highly unlikely that there would be any health risks from these highly processed products."

Derbyshire Police last month arrested 19 people in connection with the scare. No one has yet been charged.

A spokesman for Shippam's said it was alerted by the FSA that "sub-standard" chicken could have been used in some of its products.

He said there was no food safety risk but the product recall was the responsible action to take. He said Shippam's only bought from "reputable meat suppliers".

The spokesman said customers should take the named products back to shops for a full refund. Shippam's apologised for any inconvenience.

The products affected were listed as:

Shippam's Chicken Spread 35g, best before date up to and including 06 Sept 2003.

Shippam's Chicken Spread 75g, best before date up to and including 03 Oct 2003.

Shippam's Chicken & Ham Spread 35g, best before date up to and including 28 Nov 2003.

Shippam's Chicken & Ham Spread 75g, best before date up to and including 12 Sept 2003.

Shippam's Chicken & Ham Spread 100g, best before date up to and including 01 Dec 2003.

Shippam's Chicken & Stuffing Spread 75g, best before date up to and including 01 Sept 2003.

Shippam's Chicken Tikka Spread 75g, best before date up to and including 06 Dec 2003.

Sutherland's Potted Chicken 78g, best before date up to and including 29 Nov 2003.

Sainsbury's Chicken & Ham Paste 35g, best before date up to and including Nov 2002.

Sainsbury's Chicken & Ham Paste 75g, best before date up to and including Oct 2002.

Sainsbury's Chicken Paste 75g, best before date up to and including Dec 2002.