Papa John’s, a popular pizza chain in the UK, recently issued an urgent alert to its customers regarding potentially contaminated food items. With over 450 branches nationwide, the restaurant chain advised customers to be cautious with certain menu items. This alert comes after Domino’s had to temporarily withdraw some of its offerings due to contamination concerns.
A spokesperson from Papa John’s emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety, stating, “At Papa John’s, customer safety is our top priority.” They went on to explain that certain batches of their Garlic and Herb Dip and Vegan Ranch Dressing may contain traces of peanuts. These dips are typically included with pizzas, and a larger 100g version was recently introduced. Customers with peanut allergies are urged not to consume these dips and to dispose of them immediately.
In addition, the Vegan Ranch Dressing used on their products may also have traces of peanuts, and individuals with peanut allergies are advised to avoid these items. Papa John’s assured customers that they are working swiftly to address this issue. In the meantime, they will substitute the Garlic and Herb Dip with their unaffected Special Garlic Dip. Customers with any questions or concerns were encouraged to reach out to the company via email at [email protected].
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been actively issuing alerts for food products containing mustard powder imported from India, which may have come into contact with peanuts. The FSA indicated that more ‘wide-ranging’ alerts and product recalls are likely to follow in the coming days as the investigation progresses. Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, emphasised the complexity of the investigation and the collaborative efforts with various entities to safeguard consumers.
Sudworth reiterated the advice for individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard powder or related ingredients. The FSA is focused on ensuring the withdrawal and recall of all affected products. Once this process is completed, they aim to update consumers, enabling them to trust food labels regarding allergenic content accurately. Individuals with food hypersensitivity were encouraged to sign up for allergy alerts to stay informed about future recalls as the investigation unfolds.
The FSA’s dedicated information hub will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available for the public. The agency’s proactive approach and commitment to consumer safety reflect their dedication to maintaining food standards and protecting individuals with allergies.