Waitrose warns 'pack up item and return it' as it issues full refunds

Waitrose has issued an urgent warning as a curry could pose a health risk for shoppers. Waitrose - which is rivalled by the likes of M&S - has pulled its Chinese Takeaway bags as they contain allergens not listed on the packaging.

This poses a potentially serious health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to some shellfish products, Waitrose - which counts the likes of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Lidl among its rivals too - has said.

The retailer said: "We are recalling Waitrose Chinese Takeaway bag for 2 due to undeclared allergen - Mollusc. Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.

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"Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4." Waitrose warned: "We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused." Waitrose added: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to assure customers of our continued commitment to the highest standards of product quality and food safety."

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers. Symptoms of mollusc or shellfish allergy can range in severity. They can include itching, hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, and congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Waitrose operates a store in nearby Solihull in the West Midlands.