Aldi has urgently recalled its Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets after discovering the 278g product contains egg that is not declared on the packaging.
The timing of this recall is particularly critical, as the affected items carry a use-by date of today, December 15.
Shoppers who have purchased this festive snack have been told not to consume it if they suffer from an egg allergy or intolerance.
The supermarket chain has withdrawn the product from all stores across the country with immediate effect.
Those who have already bought the item should take it back to their nearest Aldi, where they will receive a full refund, with or without a receipt.
The mislabelling presents a genuine health concern for individuals who cannot tolerate eggs in their diet.
Aldi stated: "As a precautionary measure, our supplier is recalling Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets because the product is labelled incorrectly and contains an undeclared allergen (egg)."
The retailer has moved swiftly to address the situation, removing all affected stock from shelves nationwide. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused," the supermarket told customers.
While the supermarket confirmed that "all products go through rigorous safety and quality checks", the labelling error slipped through, prompting this urgent action just days before Christmas.
Aldi has characterised this as a precautionary recall, though the potential consequences for allergy sufferers remain serious.
Aldi has recalled Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets due to undeclared egg
|ALDI
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed the recall applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
"If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to egg, do not eat it," the FSA stated.
Aldi has reached out to relevant allergy support organisations, which will inform their members about the recall directly.
Point-of-sale notices have also been displayed in stores to alert customers to the issue.
Customers seeking further assistance can telephone Aldi's customer service team on 0800 042 0800 or visit help.aldi.co.uk for additional information and to submit enquiries via their online contact form.
LATEST FOOD AND PRODUCT RECALLS
Aldi recently recalled Dairyfine Salted Caramel Filled Gonks due to undeclared peanuts
| ALDISymptoms of an egg allergy
Egg allergy means an allergy to bird eggs, most commonly hen's eggs.
People with an allergy to hen's eggs are at risk of reacting to eggs from other birds such as duck, turkey, quail, goose, gull or guinea fowl.
Allergy UK explains that egg allergy can present in different forms: IgE-mediated allergy (symptoms typically appear very quickly after egg exposure), non-IgE-mediated allergy (delayed symptoms, occurring hours to days after egg exposure) and mixed allergy (a mix of both IgE and non-IgE-mediated symptoms).
FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) is a rare and potentially severe non-IgE-mediated allergy that causes profuse vomiting and/or diarrhoea typically one to four hours after egg ingestion.
IgE-mediated allergy is the most common form of allergy, affecting around two per cent of children in the UK.
Most children grow out of egg allergy within the first few years of life, though it can persist into later childhood or, less commonly, adulthood.
Allergy UK explains that most children have mild to moderate reactions, with common symptoms including rash, redness, raised red bumps/hives, triggering of eczema flares, swelling of the lips, eyes or face, vomiting, stomach-ache or cramps and loose stools (diarrhoea).
Severe symptoms affecting the airways, breathing and circulation are known as anaphylaxis.
These should be treated as a medical emergency. Allergy UK warns: "If anaphylaxis is suspected, call an ambulance immediately."
About allergy alerts
The FSA explained: "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."
Aldi's recall of Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets comes just weeks after the supermarket issued a warning over chocolate that poses serious health risks.
Dairyfine Salted Caramel Filled Gonks were recalled across England, Scotland and Wales due to the possible presence of undeclared peanuts.
Peanut allergy sufferers were advised to follow the standard recall process: avoid consuming the product and return it for a full refund.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter