Sainsbury's issues urgent warning to crisp-lovers over serious health risk
A woman walks past a branch of Sainsbury's supermarket...
An urgent food warning was issued by Sainsbury's over an undeclared allergen in a batch of its own-brand crisps.
The supermarket, which sells several flavours of Taste The Difference crisp share bags, has urged customers to check if they have the product at home.
A statement published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) read: "Sainsbury's is recalling Taste the Difference Sea Salt and Suffolk Cider Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps because they may contain milk, which is not mentioned on the label.
"This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents."
The product in question is a popular flavour, sea salt and Suffolk cider vinegar.
Taste the Difference Sea Salt and Suffolk Cider Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps
Product details
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Sea Salt and Suffolk Cider Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps
- Best before: October 26, 2024
- Stock Keeping Unit Code: 6328534
The allergy warning is particularly important for those with a severe allergy to cow's milk, plus those who are intolerant to it.
According to Allergy UK, in severe cases, a cow's milk allergy can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Sainsbury's has urged customers who have purchased the product with an allergy to milk not to eat it, but instead return it to their local store for a full refund.
The item, which sells for £1.50 in Sainsbury's stores is refundable with or without a receipt, and affected batches of the crisps have since been removed from shop shelves.
Allergy alerts are not uncommon, according to the FSA. It explained that sometimes there will be a problem with a food product which means it should not be sold.
In this case, it may be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).