M&S has urgently recalled some of its chocolate treats over fears a dangerous labelling error could leave some people seriously ill.
The major supermarket has pulled its own chocolate cornflake mini bites after discovering that some tubs contain nuts and gluten that are not mentioned on the packaging.
The mistake means the picnic treat could pose a severe health risk to anyone with nut allergies, coeliac disease, or an allergy or intolerance to oats, wheat or gluten.
The affected boxes come in packs of 180g, have the barcode number 00347884 and a best before date of August 6.
In a swift response to the blunder, M&S is urging customers who have purchased the bites to return them immediately for a full refund.
The company apologised to customers and issued a point-of-sale notice to explain the situation and provide guidance on what to do next.
“Please do not consume this product if you have an allergy or intolerance to hazelnut, oats or wheat flour,” it said.
“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.”
It follows Waitrose recalling cupcakes over a similar packaging error, which saw coffee and walnut cakes mixed into the chocolate cupcake packs.
Earlier this month, Asda recalled crisps over fears some contained milk that wasn’t declared on the label.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also jumped into action, issuing an allergy alert to ensure that the public is informed about the potential danger.
A spokesperson said: “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.”
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In cases where food products present a risk due to incorrect or missing allergy labels, it is standard procedure for the FSA to call for a recall.
An estimated two million people in the UK live with some kind of food allergy.
The most common is believed to be egg white, followed by wheat, green beans, rye and almonds.
Deaths from serious reactions due to food have declined over the past 20 years, an analysis of UK NHS data in 2021 found.
Allergies can be a serious health risk to those who suffer from them.
Love Island star Jack Fowler revealed how he almost died on a flight to Dubai after suffering a serious allergic reaction.
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Sources: Allergy UK, NHS