Marks & Spencer has issued an urgent recall of its much-loved Mulled Wine, sending shockwaves through festive preparations across Britain. The retail giant has pulled the seasonal favourite from shelves after discovering a potentially dangerous labelling oversight.
What's Wrong with the M&S Mulled Wine?
The 70cl bottles of M&S Mulled Wine, carrying the specific batch code L3317J1 and best before date of August 2026, failed to declare the presence of sulphites on their packaging. This omission could have serious consequences for customers with specific allergies or sensitivities.
Sulphites, commonly used as preservatives in wines and dried fruits, can trigger severe reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, wheezing, and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in extreme cases.
What Should Customers Do Immediately?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has categorised this as a "do not eat" alert. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are advised to:
- Return the bottle to their nearest M&S store for a full refund
- Contact M&S customer services with any concerns
- Check their bottle against the batch code and date mentioned above
No receipt is required for the refund, making the process straightforward for concerned shoppers.
M&S's Response and Customer Assurance
Marks & Spencer has acted swiftly upon discovering the labelling error, demonstrating their commitment to customer safety. "We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused," stated a company representative.
The retailer has implemented point-of-sale notices in all affected stores, ensuring remaining customers are aware of the situation before making purchases.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all consumers, particularly those with food allergies, to always check product labels carefully, especially during the busy festive season when routines change and new products are tried.
