Tesco, Waitrose, Asda, Sainsbury's issue emergency 'refunds' and customers 'don't need receipt'

Waitrose is among the leading retailers urgently pulling products and items from shelves amid the Cost of Living crisis. Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda have recalled items amid health and safety notices, issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The FSA has warned products are being withdrawn from shelves for a number of reasons - including allergy reasons, health reasons and concerns around safety. The FSA issues product recall notices each and every week through its website online.

Among the products being withdrawn are popular ice creams, from Unilever. The ice cream maker has pulled Magnums - both almond flavour and the classic, which features dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream - and is offering full refunds.

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The FSA has explained what consumers and customers need to do if they're impacted by the notices. If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

In the vast majority of cases, consumers don't need receipts to return the item and get their cash back. The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

Waitrose

Waitrose is recalling Salted Dairy Butter because it may contain pieces of blue cloth. The possible presence of blue cloth makes the product unsafe to eat. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return the product to your local Waitrose branch for a refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact the Waitrose careline team for further guidance on 0800 188 884 Option 4.

Tesco and Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's has recalled Magnums and said: "Magnum is taking the precautionary step of recalling the above product. The decision has been taken as a precaution due to the possible presence of plastic and metal. If you have one of the products detailed above, please return it to your local Sainsburys store for a full refund. You do not need a receipt. For further details or if you have any questions, then please contact the Magnum’s consumer care team on 0800 146252 or email ukicare@unilever.com

"No other Magnum products, batch codes or best before dates are affected. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused." Tesco adds: "Unilever are recalling a limited numberof Magnum Almond Ice Cream Sticks 3x100ml. This is because safety checks show they may contain small pieces of plastic or metal, which may pose a risk if eaten."

Asda

Asda says: "Magnum is taking the precautionary measure of recalling a limited number of Magnum Classic Ice Cream Sticks 3x100ml due to internal safety checks showing that they may contain small pieces of metal. No other Magnum products are affected –we apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your co-operation.

"If you have purchased Magnum Classic Ice Cream Sticks 3x100ml, please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0800 952 0101 or Magnum careline – 0800 678 1031."