A MAJOR supermarket has apologised after it was forced to issue a recall of one of its products which it deemed a “possible health risk”.
Shoppers in England, Scotland and Wales have been warned not to eat the popular meal because it contains molluscs, which are not mentioned on the label.
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Waitrose has recalled specific batches it’s own brand ‘Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2’ as it could pose a deadly health risk for anyone with an allergy to shellfish.
Affected batches only include those with use by dates from September 21, 2024 to December 4, 2024, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said in a release published yesterday (December 4).
Customers are being urged to check their fridges and freezers for the potentially dangerous products – and told not to eat them
Instead, they’ve been asked to return the products to any Waitrose store for a full refund, no receipt needed.
Read more on food recalls
“We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused,” the supermarket said in statement.
The store has contacted all its customers and the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall, the FSA said.
Around 0.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent of Brits are allergic to shellfish, including molluscs like clams, mussels, and oysters, according to studies.
With the UK population at around 67 million, this means roughly 134,000 to 335,000 people could be affected by a shellfish allergy, and this recall.
A shellfish allergy is considered to be one of the most dangerous allergies to have.
This is because some research shows that symptoms of the allergy come on faster than other allergens.
Reactions to these foods can range from a sniffle or itch to life-threatening anaphylaxis, which blocks the airways.
Mild to moderate symptoms can include:
- Rash (hives or ‘nettle’ rash)
- Swelling around the lips, face or eyes
- Itchy throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth
- Stomach pain
Severe symptoms:
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough
- Chest tightness
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
Deaths from serious reactions due to food have declined over the past 20 years, analysis of UK NHS data in 2021 found.
Allergies can be a serious health risk to those who suffer from them, one Love Island star Jack Fowler revealed how he almost died on a flight to Dubai after suffering a serious allergic reaction.
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
