Chatwins in Nantwich was named as the source of the bug which killed two people last year, but tests later proved negative.

The Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Gwyneth Dunwoody, said the bakery's reputation had been damaged unfairly.

"There was a problem and the bakery was made aware of it," she said.

Staff at the bakery were told that because the results weren't out they wouldn't be named and the next thing they knew they were all over the newspapers MP Gwyneth Dunwoody

"They said they were very concerned and cooperated with the environmental health officers in any way they were able.

"Staff at the bakery were told because the results weren't out they wouldn't be named and the next thing they knew they were all over the newspapers.

"Not surprisingly if you announce that there may be salmonella in cream buns it does have some impact on sales."

The Food Standards Agency says it made the right decision when it named the bakery, but admits mistakes were made.

'Happened in rush'

"One of the things we learned is the importance of communicating better with the business concerned," said Judith Hilton from the agency.

"These things happen in a rush and we tend to forget the importance of communicating with the business affected."

Edward Chatwin, in charge of the 80-year-old family business which has 18 shops and four coffee lounges, said no trace of salmonella had ever been found on the premises.