The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an allergy warning after Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo was recalled due to undeclared wheat (gluten) on its packaging. The product, sold in 500g packs, is labelled as "Orzo White Rice" despite containing wheat, making it a potential health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, or with coeliac disease.
Affected Batch Codes and Best Before Dates
The recall applies to batch codes 78850, 78850, and 78850, with best before dates of January 31, May 2, and May 24, 2027. The product was available at Tesco, Ocado, Amazon, and Planet Organic across England and Wales.
Official Statements
The FSA stated: "This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease." Dundeis UK Ltd, the distributor, added: "Dundeis UK Ltd is recalling batches of Organic Orzo due to a labelling error and missing allergen labelling. Organic orzo has been labelled as Orzo White Rice. Additional to this, the product contains wheat (gluten), which is missing on the packaging ingredient declaration."
Consumer Advice
Customers who have purchased the affected product are advised not to eat it and to return it to the store for a full refund. A point-of-sale notification has been distributed, and Dundeis UK has contacted allergy support organisations to raise awareness. For further information, consumers can contact info@dundeis.co.uk or call +44 1782366715.
Background on Food Recalls
Food items are either withdrawn (removed from shelves) or recalled (customers asked to return them) when there is a risk to public health, often due to allergy labelling errors or other safety concerns. Orzo, also known as risoni, is a short-cut pasta shaped like rice grains, commonly used in stews, salads, and one-pot dishes.
