It may be worth checking in your cupboards or fridges to make sure you are not in possession of a product that has been recalled by the Food Standards Agency or a supermarket over a safety concern.
Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold. Then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk.
The Food Standards Agency and Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) issue recalls for a variety of other reasons, including when products contain allergens that are not disclosed.
Product Recall Information Notices are issued by the Food Standards Agency to let consumers and local authorities know about any issues. In some cases, a "Food Alert for Action" is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.
A number of supermarkets are currently recalling certain products. Below are products recalled by Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Lidl. Shoppers who are in possession of a product impacted by a recall are often urged to return to the store for a full refund and warned against consuming or using them.
Tesco is recalling Tesco Stir Fry Tikka Chicken because of undeclared egg and mustard in the sauce sachet element of the product which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg or an allergy to mustard.
Tesco is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
The Food Standards Agency says: "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is required. For further enquiries, please visit the Contact page on Tesco's website: tesco.com/help/contact."
Myprotein are initiating a voluntary recall of Myprotein Gooey Filled Cookie - Double Chocolate & Caramel, 75g (Single Cookie) & 12 x 75g (Box of 12).
The recall is due to the presence of undeclared Wheat Protein in an ingredient supplied for the manufacture of this cookie. The product is sold at ASDA and Tesco.
Product name: MyProtein Gooey Filled Cookie - Double Chocolate & Caramel
As a precautionary measure, ASDA are asking customers not to consume the product, but to return the item to the store where they purchased it to receive a full refund. You do not need a receipt.
The supermarket states: "We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations - 0800 952 0101."
Lidl is recalling Braemoor Red Hen Ham & Cheese 4 Chicken Kievs due to the potential presence of Salmonella which may cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Product name: Braemoor Red Hen Ham & Cheese 4 Chicken Kievs, 500g
Batch affected: All stock with Best Before Date October 2026 and Batch Code 25190B
Lidl has urged people who have purchased the above product not consume it. Customers are asked to return this product to the nearest store where a full refund will begiven.
The supermarket has stated: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation. For further information, contact Customer Care on [email protected] or0203 966 5566."
Sainsbury's has been made aware that Heineken is recalling the above product from Sainsbury's stores due to the potential presence of glass fragments.
The Food Standards Agency has warned customers: "Please do not consume this product, and return the unopened product to your local store for a full refund."
For any further information, contact Heineken consumer services team at [email protected]. Heineken says "No other Heineken products have been affected by this issue. Heineken would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."