FSA Issues Urgent Warning To Peanut Allergy Sufferers to Avoid Mustard Due to Contamination Risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is urging those with peanut allergies to avoid consuming any food that contains mustard or mustard-based ingredients, as they may have been contaminated with peanuts.
This warning follows the discovery of contaminated mustard products sourced from a producer in India, GT Agro Industries, which were then supplied in the UK by FGS Ingredients Ltd.
So far, no other suppliers have been linked to the contamination, but the agency is taking a precautionary approach due to the severity of peanut allergy reactions. Symptoms of a peanut allergy can range from mild to life-threatening, making this issue particularly urgent.
Which products have been affected?
The affected products include dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches, which are now being recalled. Some of the specific products include Domino’s garlic and herb dip and certain SPAR sandwich fillers and salads.
The FSA is working to identify all potentially contaminated products and is advising people to stay cautious until more information becomes available.
In a statement, Rebecca Sudworth, FSA’s Director of Food Policy, said, “Those with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming products containing mustard as an ingredient until we identify the individual products affected.”
She added that parents and carers of children with peanut allergies should be extra vigilant, checking labels carefully and asking restaurants about ingredients before eating out.
Food industry to review supply chains to remove contaminated products from shelves
FGS Ingredients, the company that supplied the contaminated mustard, has advised its customers to remove any affected products from sale. The FSA has also asked the food industry to review their supply chains and ensure that no contaminated products remain on shelves.
More specific allergy alerts will be issued as the investigation progresses.
In the meantime, those with peanut allergies are advised to avoid foods containing mustard, even when eating out. Restaurants and cafes are legally required to provide allergen information, so customers should not hesitate to ask before ordering.
This recall comes as a reminder of how crucial it is for those with food allergies to stay informed. The FSA encourages anyone with an allergy to sign up for allergy alerts to stay updated on any future recalls or food safety concerns.
Sudworth reiterated that the agency is working swiftly to ensure consumer safety: “As soon as we have more information, we will update consumers.”
