The recall relates to 700g packs of ‘Co-op Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno’ with a use by date of 17 November 2024, which contain both mustard and sulphites.
However, this is not mentioned on the label meaning that the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites.
The retailer has informed the relevant allergy support organisations which will tell their members about the recall, while Co-op issued point-of-sale notices in-stores to inform customers.
Anyone that has bought the product and has an allergen or sensitivity to either mustard or sulphites has been advised not to consume it, and instead to return to a Co-op store for a refund.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the notice reads, which will be displayed until 19 November.
FDF launches new allergen recall guidance
In order to help manufacturers avoid allergen-related recalls, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has issued new guidance in the shape of a document named Allergen Recall Prevention.
Developed in collaboration with experts from across FDF’s membership base and with support from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), it aims to support manufacturers of all size, but small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, with the prevention, management and investigation of food allergy incidents.
The guidance highlights the processes that should be followed for each of the four main causes of allergen incidents: incorrect declaration of allergenic ingredients, mismatch in product and packaging, incorrect ‘free-from’ allergen claims, and not declaring unintentional allergen presence.
Commenting on the launch of Allergen Recall Prevention, FDF regulatory manager Olayemi Fashesin-Souza said: “The British food and drink industry has some of the highest safety standards in the world. With robust allergen management practices and comprehensive labelling, consumers with food allergies can choose from a wide variety of products that are safe for them to eat.
“Sometimes, however, food products need to be recalled to ensure consumer safety. Our latest guidance offers manufacturers a proactive approach to minimise allergen-related recalls. By implementing this guidance, companies, in particularly smaller businesses, can improve the strength of their food safety procedures, and stop any potential issues before they arise.”
In other news, a man has been arrested in connection with the theft of 22 tonnes of cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy.
