Supermarket giant Tesco has launched an urgent product recall for one of its festive bakery items, warning customers of a potential health risk. The recall affects the retailer's 'Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes'.
What is the reason for the recall?
The recall has been initiated because the product may contain undeclared milk. This poses a significant risk to individuals who have a milk allergy or intolerance, as the packaging does not list milk as an ingredient. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been notified and is overseeing the action.
All packets with a best before date code of 17 January 2026 or earlier are included in this safety notice. The recall was announced on Wednesday, 24 December 2025.
What should customers do?
The FSA and Tesco are advising any customer with a milk allergy or intolerance not to consume this product. The advice is clear: the cupcakes should be returned.
Customers can take the affected cupcakes back to any Tesco store for a full refund. Importantly, you do not need to provide a receipt to receive your money back.
Implications for shoppers and trust
This incident highlights the critical importance of accurate food labelling, especially for 'Free From' ranges which are specifically marketed to consumers with dietary restrictions. Such recalls are vital for public safety but can impact consumer confidence in product safety assurances.
Tesco has acted swiftly to remove the product from sale and alert the public. The retailer's prompt response follows standard protocol for managing potential allergen contamination, a key area of focus for UK food safety regulators.
