Co-op customers urged to check their kitchens as pasta dish is recalled due to 'health risk'

Co-op Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno

Pack size: 700g

Use by: November 17, 2024

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) explained that the product poses a "possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard and/or a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites".

The Government department told Britons: "Co-op is recalling the above product from customers and 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. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."

Co-op's official notice read: "Co-op Irresistible Luxury Lasagne Al Forno 700g is being recalled because it may contain mustard and sulphites which are not mentioned on the label.

"This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to mustard and sulphites.

"For a refund or replacement (subject to availability) please visit your local store. If purchased online, you can receive a refund by calling 0330 041 7737.

"You can contact our Customer Careline on 0800 0686 727 or email via Product issues or returns - Co-op (coop.co.uk)." Co-op apologised for any inconvenience caused to shoppers."

Mustard allergy

Allergy UK stated: "Mustard allergy can affect people of any age. As with any food allergy, the signs and symptoms can vary and will affect people differently.

"Allergy symptoms that have been reported in mustard allergy range from mild symptoms such as pollen food syndrome, hives and vomiting to the most severe form of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) requiring the use of adrenaline."

For more information on mustard allergy, Britons can consult Allergy UK.

Sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites

Sulphites are preservatives used in the production of some foods and drinks.

Allergy UK stated: "It is rare for someone to be allergic to sulphites. However, sulphites can cause allergy-like symptoms in people with underlying asthma and allergic rhinitis. The most common reaction is wheezing, tight chest and a cough.

"The incidence of sulphite sensitivity in the general population is thought to be less than 2 per cent, but this rises to between five and 13 per cent in asthmatics.

"Severe reactions to sulphites (anaphylaxis) have been reported but are very rare. Some people with urticaria, a type of skin rash, can also experience worsening of symptoms after eating sulphites."

For more information on sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites,Britons can consult Allergy UK.

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The FSA explained why allergy alerts are issued. The Government department stated: "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."

Food recalls must be taken seriously to ensure customer safety. Britons were recently warned that nine cupboard staples can cause hives, vomiting and shortness of breath.