An urgent alert has been issued for people with peanut allergies as dozens of common foods have been found to be contaminated with peanuts, prompting a full list of affected products to be released by the Food Standards Agency. The contamination stems from mustard ingredients in various food items which may have come into contact with peanuts. The FSA has advised those with peanut allergies to steer clear of foods containing mustard, mustard powder, or mustard flour due to potential peanut contamination.
The agency is collaborating with Local Authorities, businesses, and the food industry to identify the products that may have been affected. The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to an Indian producer named GT Agro Industries, with one UK company, FGS Ingredients Ltd, identified as having supplied these ingredients for use in UK food. However, there is no evidence yet of other suppliers being impacted.
To ensure the safety of consumers, the FSA is taking a precautionary approach by providing up-to-date information on potentially affected products to individuals with peanut allergies. Mustard allergy is also highlighted as an allergen that should be clearly labelled on food packaging. Food businesses are obligated to disclose this information to customers when asked, particularly in the case of dining out.
FGS Ingredients Ltd has advised its customers to remove products containing the contaminated mustard ingredients from sale. The FSA has urged the industry to review their food supply systems and remove any potentially contaminated products from circulation. Consumers are encouraged to check food labels, especially parents and carers of children with peanut allergies, and to inquire about mustard content when dining out to avoid any risks.
The director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency, Rebecca Sudworth, emphasised the importance of vigilance for those with peanut allergies until the specific affected products are identified. The agency will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and recommends signing up for allergy alerts for future recalls.
A comprehensive list of products affected by the peanut contamination has been provided, including items like MYPROTEIN Chicken & Beef Naked Burrito, TGI Cajun Chicken Pasta with Chorizo, Wisely Well Macaroni Cheese, and various other food products. Consumers are advised to check the list to ensure they are not inadvertently exposed to the allergens.
The FSA’s efforts to address this contamination issue reflect their commitment to safeguarding public health and informing the public about potential risks associated with food allergies.