As the festive season approaches, UK supermarkets have issued several food recalls to ensure consumer safety. These recalls address various concerns, from undeclared allergens to potential contamination. Staying informed about these recalls is crucial for shoppers to protect their health during the holidays.
Undeclared Allergens Prompt Recalls
Several products have been recalled due to undeclared allergens, posing risks to individuals with specific food sensitivities.
Baxter’s Sliced Gherkins Crunchy and Sweet: Baxters has recalled specific batches of this popular condiment because they contain mustard that is not declared on the label. This oversight can be hazardous for those allergic to mustard. The affected batches have a best-before date of June 2026, with batch codes 2400059 to 2400062. Consumers are advised to return these products to the store for a full refund.
Cheshire Farms Biscoff Ice Cream: Cheshire Farms has pulled specific batches of its Biscoff Ice Cream from shelves due to undeclared hazelnuts, which can trigger severe reactions in individuals with nut allergies. The affected products include batch codes L23139 (best before 19 November 2024) and L23261 (best before 18 March 2025). Customers should return these items for a refund.
Labelling Errors Lead to Safety Concerns
Accurate labelling is vital to prevent consumers from unknowingly consuming spoiled or unsafe food.
Tesco’s 8 Chicken Tsukune Skewers: Tesco has recalled its Chicken Tsukune Skewers due to incorrect use-by dates. The packaging displays a use-by date of 23 December 2024 instead of the correct date, 10 December 2024. Consuming this product past the intended date could pose health risks. Customers are urged to return the product to any Tesco store for a full refund.
Tesco’s 10 Cooked Beef Slices: Similarly, Tesco has recalled its 10 Cooked Beef Slices due to a labelling error showing an incorrect use-by date of 24 January 2025 instead of 24 December 2024. This discrepancy could lead consumers to eat spoiled meat, risking illness. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises returning the product to Tesco for a refund.
Potential Contaminants Trigger Recalls
The presence of foreign materials in food products poses serious health hazards, prompting immediate recalls.
Waitrose’s ZOE Daily 30+ 7 Day Supplements: Waitrose has recalled its ZOE Daily 30+ 7 Day (112.5g) supplements due to potential contamination with small stones and metal pieces. Consumers are advised not to consume these products and to return them to the store for a full refund.
Allergen Risks in Festive Foods
Certain products have been recalled during the festive season due to allergen risks.
Waitrose’s Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2: Waitrose has recalled its ‘Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2’ because it contains molluscs not mentioned on the label. This poses a significant risk for individuals allergic to shellfish. The affected products have use-by dates between 21 September and 4 December 2024. Customers should return these items to any Waitrose store for a full refund.
Supermarket Responses and Consumer Actions
Supermarkets have promptly issued recalls and advised customers on necessary actions.
Aldi’s Emporium Selection Brie Soft Ripened Cheese: Aldi has recalled its Emporium Selection Brie Soft Ripened Cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the store for a full refund.
Farmfoods’ Cocktail Sausage Rolls: Farmfoods has recalled its 700g own-brand cocktail sausage rolls due to undeclared milk, posing a risk to those with milk allergies or intolerances. The affected batch code is L4295, with a best-before date of October 2025. Customers should return the product for a full refund.
Ensuring Consumer Safety
The FSA and supermarkets have taken swift action to protect consumers. Shoppers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls, check their purchases, and return affected products. This vigilance ensures a safe and enjoyable festive season for all.
