CO-OP has issued an urgent ‘do not eat’ warning after pulling a popular ready meal off its shelves over fears it poses a “possible health risk”.
The major supermarket chain said packs of its own-brand lasagne may contain ingredients not mentioned on the label, putting shoppers at risk of allergic reactions.
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It recalled its Co-op Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno over fears it “may contain mustard and sulphites which are not declared on the label”, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said in a recent alert.
“This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites,” the food watchdog added.
Items with a ‘use by’ date of November 17 are affected by the recall.
It comes after a number of brands recalled products containing mustard over fears they many be contaminated with peanuts – putting nut allergy sufferers at risk of dangerous reactions.
Co-op said it had contacted relevant allergy support organisations about its lasagne recalled so that people with allergies or sensitivities to mustard and sulphites could be informed.
Aside from pulling the products from shelves, it urged people to dispose of them.
Customers who’ve bought the luxury lasagnes affected by the recall are eligible for a refund or a replacement, subject to availability at the store.
If you bought the product online, you can get a refund by calling 03300417737.
The FSA told customers: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to mustard and/or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites do not consume it.
“Instead, dispose of the product.”
Sulphites – including sulphur dioxide and sodium or potassium metabisulphite – are found naturally in some foods but are also added to foods to preserve them or lighten their colour.
Common examples include processed meats, fruit juice, jams, wine and beer.
Most people who have reactions to sulphites have sensitivity reactions, according to Anaphylaxis UK.
Unlike an allergy, this type of reaction doesn’t involve the immune system but it can cause allergy-type symptoms affecting your breathing that may sometimes be serious.
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Symptoms of sulphite sensitivity reactions can include wheezing, a tight chest and coughing, as well as stomach pain and rashes.
As for mustard allergies, these are thought to be rare but they can sometimes result in serious reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
In September, the FSA issued an urgent alert to allergy sufferers warning that mustard products could be contaminated with peanuts.
As a result, a number of products were pulled from shelves, including sandwiches, wraps, dips and spices.
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Sources: Allergy UK, NHS
The allergy alert is still in place, with the food watchdog saying it was continuing to work with food businesses and local authorities to investigate the food supply chain for contaminated items.
The FSA said: “As a result of extensive and ongoing investigations, the food business FGS Ingredients Limited who import mustard to manufacture spice products including curry powders, seasonings and spice blends from India, have undertaken a precautionary withdrawal and recall of all products containing mustard.
“These spices and blends are also used in products such as ready meals and snacks and we expect to issue a wide range of recalls in the coming days.
“Although the investigation continues, we can confirm it is only these products supplied by FGS Ingredients Limited which have been affected and not all mustard imports from India.
“We continue to advise people with a peanut allergy to avoid eating any food containing mustard ingredients until all recalls have been issued and we will provide an update on this advice when it changes.”
