Urgent UK-wide alert after contamination scare impacts sandwiches
An immediate recall has been sounded for all mustard products across the UK following reports of "contamination" in items such as dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised consumers about the potential presence of mustard, which could be an issue for those with allergies.
The FSA is rigorously collaborating with local authorities, companies and the wider industry to pinpoint which products might be compromised. In their statement, they disclosed: "We have traced the contaminated mustard ingredients to a producer in India called GT Agro Industries and have identified one company who has supplied these ingredients for use in UK food."
Providing guidance for consumers, the FSA explained: "If there is a risk that mustard could be unintentionally present in food there will be a 'may contain' label for mustard. If you are eating out, please ask the cafe or restaurant staff if any of their products contain mustard by law, food businesses must provide this information to customers."
According to the FSA, symptoms of an allergy can appear within minutes of exposure to an allergen, yet sometimes may take up to an hour. While most allergic reactions are mild, some can be moderate or severe.
The FSA assured: "When we find an individual product is affected, we will issue a specific allergy alert on our website. The UK company affected, FGS Ingredients Ltd, has advised their customers to remove from sale products containing the contaminated mustard ingredients."
Food Standards Agency's Director of Food Policy, Rebecca Sudworth, has issued a statement: "We have asked industry to review their food supply systems and remove from sale any products that may have contaminated mustard ingredients."
She further advised: "Those with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming products containing mustard as an ingredient until we identify the individual products affected. Parents and carers of children who have a peanut allergy should take care to check the labels of food they buy and, if eating out, or getting a takeaway, ask the restaurant or cafe about foods that might contain mustard."