The Food Standards Agency has issued a critical 'do not eat' alert, prompting a major recall of chocolate products sold at popular discount retailers B&M and Home Bargains. This action follows the discovery of undeclared allergens in Millennium Peanuts Caramel Milk Chocolate, posing a significant health risk to consumers with specific allergies or intolerances.
Details of the Recall
Loudwater Trade & Finance Ltd, the manufacturer, is recalling the 285g packs of this chocolate due to inadequate labelling. The product contains milk, peanuts, and soya, and may also include almonds, cashew nuts, cereals containing gluten, and hazelnuts. However, these ingredients are not declared in English on the packaging, violating food safety regulations and creating a potential hazard.
Affected Products and Retailers
The recall specifically targets items sold at Home Bargains and B&M stores that lack English ingredient lists on their packs. It applies to all best before dates and batch codes, indicating a widespread issue rather than an isolated batch. Consumers are urged to check their purchases immediately if they have bought this chocolate from these retailers.
Health Risks and Allergen Concerns
This oversight presents a serious danger to individuals with allergies or intolerances to milk, peanuts, soya, almonds, cashew nuts, gluten-containing cereals, or hazelnuts. For those with conditions like coeliac disease, consuming this product could lead to severe allergic reactions or other health complications. The FSA emphasises that incorrect or missing allergy labelling is a primary reason for such recalls, as it directly compromises consumer safety.
Company Response and Customer Actions
Loudwater Trade & Finance Ltd has taken steps to address the recall by contacting allergy support organisations to inform their members and issuing point-of-sale notices in stores. These notices detail the recall reasons and provide guidance for affected customers. A spokesperson for the Food Standards Agency advised: "If you have bought the product and have an allergy or intolerance to any of the listed ingredients, do not eat it. Instead, contact Loudwater Trade & Finance at support@loudwateruk.com for a full refund or further information, or return it to your local Home Bargains or B&M store."
Broader Implications for Food Safety
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in food labelling and allergen management within the retail sector. The FSA routinely issues Allergy Alerts when such risks emerge, underscoring the importance of stringent compliance with food safety standards. Consumers are reminded to always verify ingredient lists, especially when purchasing products from discount chains, to mitigate potential health threats.
