Co-operative has issued an urgent recall for its Co-op 4 Mini Pork & Pickle Pies due to undeclared milk content, posing a risk to those with milk allergies or intolerances. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned consumers not to eat the product and to return it to stores for a full refund.
The recall affects customers who may experience allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, vomiting, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition. The Anaphylaxis UK charity advises anyone experiencing symptoms such as lip or tongue swelling, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or collapse to use an adrenaline auto-injector if available and call 999 immediately.
Milk intolerance, while not usually fatal, can cause bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. The FSA stated: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund or replacement.”
Co-op has apologised for the inconvenience and is contacting allergy support groups to inform them of the recall. Customers can also contact the retailer's Careline at 0800 0686 727 or via the Co-op website. The cause of the labelling error has not been disclosed.
Undeclared milk is one of the most common reasons for food recalls in the UK, affecting various products. Consumers can stay updated on recalls via the FSA's website or its allergy alert email service.
