Aldi has issued an urgent recall of its Gianni’s Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream after it was discovered that the product contains wheat (gluten) that is not declared on the packaging.
The recall has been classified as a serious health risk for individuals with coeliac disease, wheat allergies, or gluten intolerance.
The affected product is a 500 ml tub with a best-before date of 14 August 2027. The barcode for the impacted batch is 4088600275871. Consumers are being advised not to eat the ice cream and to return it to any Aldi store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
The recall was prompted after it was found that wheat was present in the product, but the label failed to declare it as an ingredient.
This labelling error could result in severe allergic reactions for consumers with sensitivities to gluten or wheat. In some cases, such reactions can lead to serious health complications, particularly for those with coeliac disease.
Aldi has removed the affected tubs from store shelves and is displaying point-of-sale recall notices in affected locations to inform customers of the issue.
The company has also issued an apology, stating that the product did not meet its usual high standards and emphasising its commitment to food safety.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an allergen alert in connection with the recall, warning consumers with gluten or wheat sensitivities not to consume the product. The FSA has urged shoppers to check their freezers and take action if they have purchased the recalled ice cream.
Food recalls due to undeclared allergens are taken very seriously in the UK, where food labelling laws require that all major allergens be clearly stated on packaging.
Retailers and manufacturers are obligated to monitor their supply chains and ensure accurate labelling. In this case, it appears there was a breakdown in that process, prompting immediate corrective action.
Gianni’s Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream is often considered a budget-friendly alternative to Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey flavor. While the Ben & Jerry’s version is gluten-free, the Aldi variant in this recalled batch contained wheat, raising questions about ingredient changes or inconsistencies in manufacturing.
Customers who experience any adverse health effects after consuming the product are encouraged to seek medical attention. For further information, consumers can visit Aldi’s website or contact its customer service team directly.
