A major UK supermarket has issued a product recall with a “do not eat” warning for one if its popular products over fears they could cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Co-operative is removing its Co-op 4 Mini Pork & Pickle Pies from shelves due to milk content not disclosed on the label.
For those who have a milk or milk-derived ingredient allergy or intolerance, this indicates that the product may be harmful.
Even little doses can cause allergic reactions in humans, including hives, swelling, vomiting, and in extreme situations, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
Anybody who has consumed the product and experiences swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or collapse should use an adrenaline auto-injector right once if indicated and dial 999, according to the Anaphylaxis UK charity.
Although not usually fatal, a milk intolerance can cause unpleasant symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it.
“Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund or replacement (subject to availability). If purchased online, you can receive a refund by calling 0330 041 7737.”
According to Co-op, it was suggested that members get in touch with the appropriate allergy support groups, who will inform them of the recall.
Customers who purchased the goods are also receiving a point-of-sale notification from the company outlining the reason for the recall and what to do if they have already done so.
Co-op consumers can also phone the retailer's Careline at 0800 0686 727 or send an email through the Co-op website's Product Issues or Returns section.
In the UK, food recalls for undeclared milk are among the most frequent and impact a variety of products, including baked goods and prepared meals.
Co-op apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused. How the labelling issue happened has not been revealed by the retailer.
By visiting the FSA's website's alerts section or signing up for its allergy alert email service, consumers can be kept updated on recalls.
