A customer at discount members' warehouse Costco was enraged at finding pork pâté and other non-kosher meat in a kosher freezer.

David Elias, 79, from Gants Hill, spotted the treif items in the Chingford branch. "I pointed this out to a member of staff and the assistant manager, who was less than interested," he claimed. "I feel this matter should be brought to the attention of the Jewish community at large so they are vigilant when they shop at Costco."

A Costco spokeswoman said: "It would appear that the offending meat item was left on top of the kosher cabinet by a member.

"Unfortunately members often change their mind about a purchase and leave the unwanted item in the nearest place rather than returning it to its point of sale.

"When the member who has written to you pointed out that this unwanted meat item had been left in the wrong place it was removed."

However, Mr Elias pointed out: "The whole container was contaminated and they should be educated to what this means.

"They should have shut it down, not made excuses."