Shoppers have been warned that a Waitrose takeaway meal bag could pose a risk to health. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a recall notice, saying that the item can be returned to stores.
The FSA said : “Waitrose is recalling Waitrose Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2 because it contains molluscs, which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to molluscs.”
The recall relates to all bags with a use-by date of between September 21, 2024, and December 4, 2024.
The FSA added: “We are issuing this recall on December 4, 2024, which is the last use by date quoted in this recall. This is because the product is suitable for freezing and therefore there may be products from the recall period (September 21, 2024, to December 4, 2024) in people’s freezers, which will need to be recalled.
“Waitrose is recalling the above product from customers and has contacted 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.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to molluscs, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose branch for a full refund. For more information contact Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4.”
About allergy alerts
The FSA explained that, 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 Then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product). Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk. When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert.