Food safety authorities have issued an urgent recall for popular Heinz Tomato Ketchup products following the discovery of potential glass contamination that could pose serious health risks to consumers.
Affected Products and Batch Details
The recall specifically targets Heinz Tomato Ketchup 460g bottles bearing the best before date of October 2026. Consumers are urged to immediately check their kitchen cupboards for the affected batches.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the precautionary measure, stating that the manufacturer identified potential glass fragments during quality control checks, prompting immediate action to protect public safety.
What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased this product:
- Do not consume the ketchup under any circumstances
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund
- No receipt is required for returns
- Contact Heinz consumer care with any concerns
Retailer Response and Distribution
The affected bottles were distributed to numerous major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons. Retailers have been instructed to remove all affected stock from shelves immediately.
A spokesperson for Heinz stated: "We are taking this matter extremely seriously and have implemented our comprehensive recall procedure. Consumer safety remains our highest priority."
Health Implications and Symptoms
Consuming products containing glass fragments can cause serious internal injuries including:
- Mouth and throat lacerations
- Digestive tract injuries
- Internal bleeding in severe cases
Anyone who has consumed the product and experiences discomfort or unusual symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Consumers with concerns are encouraged to visit the official FSA website for the latest recall information.