Shopper warning as relish is recalled due to possible 'contamination' - 'can be life-threatening'

Paxton & Whitfield Really Proper Piccalilli Orcio Jar

Pack size: 575g

Batch code: 1-019 1-020

Best before: August 2026

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated: "Several brands are taking the precautionary step of recalling several spice products that contain mustard.

"They may contain peanuts which are not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts.

"Several brands are taking the precautionary step of recalling the above products and have been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.

"These products are sold under several different brand names at several different retail stores.

"Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

"If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy to peanuts, do not eat them. Instead return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund."

Paxton & Whitfield's official notice read: "We are recalling Paxton & Whitfield Really Proper Piccalilli Orcio Jar 575g due to a potential cross-contamination mustard seed from our supplier.

"The batch code and best before date can be found on the base of the jar."

As part of the mass food recall, two chutneys were also pulled from shelves due to the risk of hives, vomiting and more. For the full list of recalled products, Britons can consult the FSA.

Food recalls must be taken seriously to ensure your safety. The FSA explained why these occur.

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 Then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

"Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk.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."

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Issuing some urgent advice specific to this mass recall, the FSA stated: "We are advising people who have a peanut allergy to avoid consuming foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour because they may have been contaminated with peanuts."

Allergy UK provided some important information on peanut allergies. The experts stated: "Signs and symptoms usually occur within minutes of contact with peanuts, but can also occur up to one hour later. Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life-threatening.

"Mild to moderate symptoms include itchy mouth, tongue and throat, swelling of lips, around the eyes or face, red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria), vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, runny nose and sneezing.

"Any one or more of the following symptoms are a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and should be treated as a medical emergency. If available, adrenaline should be given without delay and an ambulance called with the call operator informed that it is anaphylaxis.

"Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the tongue and/or throat, difficulty in swallowing or speaking, change in voice (hoarse voice), wheeze (whistling noise) or persistent cough, difficult or noisy breathing, dizziness, collapse, loss of consciousness (due to a drop in blood pressure), pale, floppy, sudden sleepiness in babies."