One of the UK’s biggest supermarkets Marks and Spencer has issued an urgent recall for one of it’s tasty chocolate products following a labelling error that failed to disclose all of its ingredients
Supermarket giant Marks and Spencer, have urgently issued a recall for one of its chocolate treats over major safety concerns following a labelling error. The popular store, that famously sells a range of delicious food including the iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake, has pulled its own label chocolate cornflake mini bites after a labelling mishap meant it failed to reveal that some tubs contained nuts and gluten.
The oversight now means that the snack could pose a significant health risk to anyone with nut allergies, coeliac disease or an allergy or intolerance to oats, wheat or gluten – and in some severe cases could potentially even be fatal if unwittingly ingested.
The affected batch come in packs of 180g, and are printed with the barcode number 00347884 and a best before date of August 6.
In response to the discovery, M&S has issued an urgent recall notice to any shoppers who may have bought the product, and urged them to return the item to the store immediately for a full refund. In addition to the warning, the company also apologised to customers who had purchased the item, and issued a point-of-sale notice to explain the situation and issue advice on what to do next if you have been affected.
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“Please do not consume this product if you have an allergy or intolerance to hazelnut, oats or wheat flour,” it said in a statement.
“If you wish to exchange the product, you can return it to your nearest store where a full refund will be given.
“For more information contact us on 03330148555. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also reiterated the danger of the product to allergy sufferers, and issued a statement which reads: ” Marks & Spencer is recalling M&S Chocolate Cornflake Mini Bites because they contain hazelnuts (nuts), oats (gluten) and wheat (gluten), which are not mentioned on the label.
“This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to hazelnuts (nuts) and/or for anyone with coeliac disease and/or an allergy or intolerance to oats, wheat or gluten.”
Unfortunately M&S isn’t the only supermarket to have been hit with labelling errors in recent days, as the latest recall follows Waitrose’s, which was forced to pull several cupcakes from shelves, after coffee and walnut cakes were incorrectly mixed into chocolate cupcake packs.
In any cases where food products could pose a risk to the public due to incorrect ingredients and allergy labels, the FSA will typically issue a recall for the affected products.
Around 2 million people in the UK live with a food allergy, and while fatal reactions are still rare, allergies can still be a serious health risk to those who suffer from them, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you have come into contact with a known allergen.
