Waitrose warns shoppers and says 'sorry that it has been necessary'

Waitrose has issued an urgent warning to shoppers and moved to "apologise" that it has been necessary. The posh, upmarket supermarket chain - which is rivalled by Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda and more - has spoken out.

Waitrose, which has a store near Birmingham in Solihull, has withdrawn an item from sale. It has pulled Dell’Ugo Prawn, Garlic and Chilli Ravioli 250g from brand Dell'Ugo with a best before date of December 7, saying: "We are recalling Dell’Ugo Prawn, Garlic & Chilli Ravioli due to an undeclared fish allergen.

"Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund. Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4. We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.

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"For more information contact Ugo Foods 020 82070100." Allergy UK Experts said: "A fish/shellfish allergic reaction occurs when the body recognises the food protein as harmful and mounts an allergic response.

"An allergic reaction to seafood [the collective term for fish and shellfish] can be mild or moderate (swollen lips, face or eyes, itching, tingling mouth, hives, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting) or severe (breathing difficulties, dizziness or collapse).

"Fish/shellfish reactions have the potential to cause anaphylaxis, which is the most severe form of an allergic reaction." Anaphylaxis UK explained: "It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to (known as an allergen). Reactions usually begin within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to two to three hours later.

"Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response." Sometimes there will be 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 Then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk. When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert.