Co-op supermarket is recalling packs of its own-brand lasagne over fears it poses a ‘possible health risk’.
The supermarket chain said the popular ready meal may contain the allergens mustard and sulphites, which weren’t featured on the label.
Batches of the Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno, sold in 700g packs, with the best before date November 17, 2024, are affected by the recall.
Officials at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the alert, warned the products are ‘unsafe to eat’ due to the potential impact for those with life-threatening allergies.
It added the product ‘is a possible risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites’.
Mustard allergies are thought to be rare, but for those who do suffer, reactions can be serious and cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
However, some experience a rash, tingling and itching in the mouth, stomach pain and swelling of the lips or face.
Sulphites refers to a group of substances including sulphur dioxide and sodium or potassium metabisulphite. They are found naturally in some foods but are also used as preservatives and bleaching agents, to make foods last longer.
Most people who have reactions to sulphites have what’s known as sensitivity reactions.
Unlike an allergy, this type of reaction doesn’t involve the immune system but it can cause allergy-type symptoms affecting breathing that may sometimes be serious, Anaphylaxis UK explains.
Symptoms include wheezing, a tight chest and coughing, as well as stomach pain and rashes.
The Co-op has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers to explain why the product is being recalled.
As well as pulling the products off the shelves, it has also urged people to dispose of them.
Customers who’ve bought the luxury lasagnes affected by the recall are eligible for a refund.
The FSA issues food recalls — which ask customers to return a product — when problems are spotted that means a product should not be sold.
The watchdog told customers: ‘If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to mustard and/or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites do not consume it.
‘Instead, dispose of the product.’
Anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, can kill within minutes.
It is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy.
The reaction can often be triggered by certain foods, including peanuts and shellfish.
However, some medicines, bee stings, and even latex used in condoms can also cause the life-threatening reaction.
According to the NHS, it occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger.
Symptoms include: feeling lightheaded or faint; breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing; wheezing; a fast heartbeat; clammy skin; confusion and anxiety and collapsing or losing consciousness.
It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Insect stings are not dangerous for most victims but a person does not necessarily have to have a pre-existing condition to be in danger.
An incremental build-up of stings can cause a person to develop an allergy, with a subsequent sting triggering the anaphylactic reaction.