Mince pie warning as an undeclared ingredient is found in festive treat – 'Can be life-threatening!'

Before dining out, Britons should check the food hygiene rating of their chosen restaurant

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FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 21/11/2025

- 10:52

The food safety alert exclusively affects shoppers in England

Three festive flapjacks from Flapjackery have been withdrawn from sale after undeclared almonds were discovered in the ingredients, creating a serious hazard for those with nut allergies.

The company has initiated an urgent recall for its Mince Pie Crumble Flapjack, Christmas Towers box (containing six 85g portions), and Rudolph box (containing six 170g portions). All treats carry a best-before date of March 2026.


The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that the products pose a health risk as they "contain almonds (nuts) which are not mentioned on the label".

The undisclosed nuts could trigger potentially severe allergic reactions in affected individuals, prompting immediate action from both the manufacturer and food safety authorities during the busy pre-Christmas shopping period.

Impacted items were sold between November 1 and November 19, 2025, according to the company's recall notice.

Flapjackery explained that the products are "not suitable for those with a tree nut allergy due to the presence of almond in the crumb".

The manufacturer has taken swift action by notifying allergy support groups, who will inform their members about the withdrawal.

Point-of-sale notices have been distributed to retail outlets explaining the recall circumstances and providing guidance for customers who may have purchased the affected items.

Flapjackery recalled flapjack

Three festive flapjacks contain undeclared almonds

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FSA

While the products are safe for those who do not suffer from a tree nut allergy, those with an allergy must avoid consuming them at all costs.

Officials advised: "If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy to almonds (nuts), do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund."

Shoppers seeking additional information can reach Flapjackery directly via email at enquiries@flapjackery.co.uk or by telephone on 01822 258008.

With Christmas shopping in full swing, the timing of this recall particularly affects families preparing for the festivities.

Those with nut allergies should check their cupboards immediately for these popular seasonal products to prevent any health incidents during the holiday period.

Pouring from a jar of almonds

'If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy to almonds, do not eat them'

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GETTY

Symptoms of a tree nut allergy

There are eight tree nuts in the tree nut family: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia, pecans, pistachios, shea nuts, and walnuts.

Allergy UK explains: "Signs and symptoms usually occur within minutes of contact with tree nuts but can also occur up to two hours later.

"Most allergic reactions to tree nuts are mild, but for some people, they can also be moderate or severe.

"Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening."

About allergy alerts

The FSA explains: "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."

The recall comes just days after Tesco shoppers were warned over unsafe meat after the supermarket admitted to "incorrect cooking".

Customers who had purchased a specific batch of hog's pudding from the retailer were asked not to eat it but instead to return it immediately.

Westaway Sausages Ltd failed to achieve proper cooking temperatures during production, making the traditional British delicacy unsuitable for consumption.

Food alerts, such as recalls and withdrawals, should always be taken seriously to ensure your safety.