Lidl issues 'do not eat' warning and recalls food product due to potential health risk

Lidl has urgently recalled one of its seafood products as it may be a “possible health risk” for some customers.

The discount German supermarket has recalled its XXL Ocean Sea Cooked and Peeled Large Prawns because they contain sulphites which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is not safe for anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide, or sulphites to eat.

Sulphites can cause allergy-like reactions and symptoms can include wheezing in people with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hives. In very rare cases, sulphites can also cause anaphylactic shock.

The items affected by the recall are the 1kg bags with the best before date of January 2025. The Food Standards Agency issued the warning this week and has warned anyone who has bought the product not to eat it, and to return it to Lidl for a full refund – you will not need a receipt to do this.

In its statement, the FSA said: “Lidl GB is recalling XXL Ocean Sea Cooked & Peeled Large Prawns because they contain sulphites which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.”

Lidl large prawns

Lidl has also issued point-of-sale notices that will be displayed where the product was sold. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. The supermarket chain has also “apologised for any inconvenience caused” and confirmed that no other Ocean Spa products sold in stores are affected by the recall.

For more information on the product recall, shoppers can contact Lidl’s Customer Care team through email on [email protected] or call on 0203 966 5566.

The Food Standards Agency is in charge of issuing alerts when there is a problem with a food product. The product can either be “withdrawn” which is where is it taken off the shelves or “recalled” which is when customers are asked to return it.

Foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk.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 Food Standards Agency will issue an Allergy Alert.