Labelling errors cause recalls
The majority of cases were related to one of the list of 14 major allergens posing a possible health risk, which had not been flagged up on labels.
John & Pascalis recalled two types of Four Seasons Sesame Tahini because affected products contained peanuts, which were not mentioned on labels.
Southern Synergy extended its recall for Arnott’s products due to the presence of celery and/or mustard that was not on the labels.
Celery, mustard
Arnott’s Shapes Originals Savoury, Arnott’s Shapes Originals Cheddar and Arnott’s Cheds have been recalled. This was an update on a previous Allergy Alert Notice issued on 09/10/2018 relating to Arnott’s Shapes Originals Barbecue and Arnott’s Shapes Originals Pizza which contained unlabelled celery and/or mustard.
Booths supermarket chain recalled Booths Honey & Spelt Bread because it contained soya, which was not mentioned on the label.
Meanwhile, Milegate has recalled Noury Individually Quick Frozen Prawns because they contain crustaceans and sulphites, which are not mentioned on the label.
Northern Irish department store chain Dunnes Stores had to recall one batch of slow roasted turkey slices from its Northern Ireland shops, as the product had been labelled with an incorrect ‘use-by’ date. It should have been dated 22 October 2018, instead of 22 November 2018.
Ingredients list
The Real Bread Campaign has accused supermarkets and in-store bakeries of not labelling full lists of ingredients, including additives, and other facts about methods and time and place of production of bread products.
Real Bread Campaign coordinator Chris Young said: “We believe that people have the right to know what they’re eating: what is used to make a loaf, as well as how, where and when it was made. Our research leads us to believe supermarkets could do a lot better to support this right.”
The issue of allergens hit the headlines recently with revelations that two people had died after eating sandwiches purchased from Pret a Manger.
The Department for environment food and rural affairs (DEFRA) has already unveiled plans for a review.
A spokeswoman from the FSA said: “The FSA is working with colleagues in DEFRA and Department of Health and Social care on a review of the policy and laws around allergen labelling. We will look at strengthening the food allergen framework to make sure that people have access to food they can trust; and food businesses can keep their customers safe.”
