There have been a number of food and product recall notices issued this week
A number of urgent product recall warnings have been issued this week, including for popular food items and toys. Customers have been warned of the dangers the products could pose.
The Food Standards Agency has issued notices for popular chocolate and a meat product. The warnings have come into effect after one product poses a risk for people with allergies, while Listeria monocytogenes was found in another.
Seven toys have also been pulled from shelves this week as they may be contaminated with asbestos. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has laid out disposal instructions for anyone with the affected items.
M&M chocolates
M&M’s Pipoca (popcorn) was recalled because it contains peanuts and gluten, and may contain barley, rye and wheat, which are not mentioned on the UK label.
A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency said the chocolate product may pose “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanut, an allergy or intolerance to barley, rye, wheat or cereals containing gluten or with coeliac disease”.
The affected packs were manufactured for the Brazilian market and had stickers added for sale in the UK market. The recall affects 35g packs with all batch codes and best before dates included.
The FSA added: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to peanut or an allergy or intolerance to barley, rye, wheat or cereals containing gluten, or coeliac disease, do not eat it.
“Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund with or without a receipt.”
Turkey Breast Pastrami
Gilbert’s 142g packs of Turkey Breast Pastrami have been recalled after Listeria monocytogenes was found in the product. The FSA said symptoms caused by listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu.
These include high temperature, muscle aches or pains, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. It cautioned: “However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.”
The recall is for the 142g packs with a use-by date of April 9, 2026, and the product codes CK016 or CK027.
Smyths Toys recall
A number of toys sold at Smyths Toys have been recalled as they pose a risk of asbestos. The items that have been recalled are a range of dig toys including the Dino Dig Sensory Bin (248772), the Dig In Kit GOLD (231105), Let’s Dig Out Dinosaur Eggs 10pc (166403), Gem Dig Kit, 12 Gem Pack (187539), Dig It Up Pirates 13 Treasure Chest (223521) and the Gem Dig 8 pack.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards said: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand-like material inside the toy may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.”
Anyone with the toys must stop using them immediately. The OPSS added: “If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
“If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.”
Keep the sand away from children, and clean the area it was in. You can contact Smyths Toys to get a refund.
