Shops and supermarkets across the country have issued a number of product recalls in a bid to safeguard consumers, with fears the food could have been contaminated with everything from undeclared allergens to plastic.
In the UK, a food product recall is a procedure implemented to remove or withdraw food products from the market when there is a possibility that the food item poses a risk to public health or safety. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the main regulatory body responsible for food safety in the UK.
They issue recalls when they identify a potential risk to public health. The FSA works closely with local authorities and food businesses to manage the recall process effectively.
The reasons for issuing a food product recall in the UK can vary but generally include:
Microbiological Contamination: If there is a risk of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, being present in the food product, a recall may be initiated.
Allergen Mislabeling: If an allergenic ingredient is not listed on the product label or if an incorrect allergen is declared, it can pose a risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.
Foreign Object Contamination: If there is a possibility of physical contamination, such as the presence of glass, plastic, or metal fragments in the product, a recall may be necessary.
Chemical Contamination: If harmful chemicals, pesticides, or other substances are detected in the food product above permissible levels, a recall may be initiated.
Quality Issues: In some cases, food products may not pose an immediate health risk but may fall below quality standards, such as changes in taste, texture, or appearance. This can also lead to a recall.
Here's the full list of products recently recalled by UK supermarkets.
Asda recalled their vegan ready meal after it was found to contain milk(Image: OMV!)
Asda
Asda has recalled batches of OMV! Mac ‘N’ No Cheese after it was discovered that the product may contain milk, which is not listed on the label. The used by date of affected items had past but shoppers should check in case they have kept any in the freezer.
According to the Food Standards Agency, the ready-meal is "a possible health risk" for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.
OMV! Mac ‘N’ No Cheese
- Pack size: 400g
- Date of recall: May 26, 2023
The FSA urged customers who have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk not to eat it. Instead, consumers should return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund.
For more information, people can contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.
Lidl
Budget retailer Lidl has recalled its Fin Carré Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts over fears it may contain plastic. The FSA branded the item "unsafe to eat" due to the possible presence of plastic.
Fin Carré Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts
- Pack size: 100g
- Lot number: L3083A112
- Best before date: December 19, 2023
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's has recalled its own brand Mexican-Style Chilli Cheddar because of the possible presence of "harmful bacteria" - Salmonella.
- Pack size: 200g
- Best before dates: June 12, June 22 and June 30, 2023
An alert by the FSA explained that the product was recalled due to the "possible presence of salmonella", which can trigger symptoms including fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
Customers should avoid eating the cheese and instead, return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
Other food recalls include items sold by Grape Tree, Booker Group Limited, and Buttermilk - all of which have been withdrawn frm shelves over allergy fears.
Buttermilk Fudge
Buttermilk is recalling Buttermilk Speculoos Flavoured Fudge with Biscuit Chunks because it contains wheat (gluten) which is not mentioned on the label. The FSA warned that fudge is a possible health risk for anyone with coeliac disease, allergies, or intolerances to wheat or gluten.
- Pack size: 175g
- Batch code: 79904, 80515, 81058
- Best before dates: February 19, March 21, and April 20, 2024
Grape Tree popcorn
Grape Tree is recalling Grape Tree Toffee Popcorn because it contains undeclared milk. The product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, according to the FSA.
- Pack size: 200g
- Batch code: All batches
- Best before dates: All best before dates up to and including the end of December 2023
Jack's Guacamole
Booker Group Limited has recalled Jack’s Guacamole because it contains milk which is not mentioned on the label and is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk.
- Pack size: 125g
- Best before: June 24, 2023
