Halloween treat pulled from shelves over undeclared allergen – could cause 'medical emergency'

The company discovered that these seasonal treats contain egg, which was not mentioned on the product packaging.

This labelling oversight poses a potential hazard for those with egg allergies or intolerances.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall, alerting consumers to the undisclosed allergen.

The missing ingredient information could lead to serious health consequences for affected customers who might unknowingly consume the product.

Affected tea cakes are sold in 220g packages with four specific best-before dates that consumers should check: August 28, 2026; September 18, 2026; September 22, 2026; and September 24, 2026.

The Halloween-themed treats were distributed through various retail outlets before the labelling error was discovered.

Officials advised those who purchased these items to verify the best-before dates on their packages immediately.

Rose Manufacturing has implemented comprehensive measures to address the safety concern.

The company is actively retrieving the affected tea cakes from customers while notifying relevant allergy support groups about the recall.

Retail establishments stocking these products must display point-of-sale notifications explaining the withdrawal.

These notices inform shoppers about the recall reasons and provide instructions for those who have already purchased the items.

"If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to egg, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund."

As households across Northern Ireland prepare for trick-or-treaters and Halloween parties this evening, it's crucial to check your kitchens for the affected item.

Symptoms of an egg allergy

Allergy UK stated: "Allergic reactions to egg can be mild, moderate or severe (anaphylaxis). There are certain things that affect how severe an allergic reaction may be, including the amount of egg eaten and how well the egg was cooked.

"Egg does not have to be eaten to cause an allergic reaction; coming into contact with eggshells or touching (raw) egg can cause allergic symptoms, usually affecting just the skin in highly sensitive individuals.

"Most reactions to egg are mild, and symptoms are seen soon after eating egg or foods containing egg. Babies will often show reluctance or refuse to eat the egg. If an egg comes into contact with the skin around the mouth, it can cause a local reaction, which is seen as a rash and may include redness and raised red bumps that are called hives."

Other symptoms of an egg allergy include swelling of the lips, eyes, and face, vomiting, stomach ache/cramps, loose stools (diarrhoea), and eczema flares.

Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are less common with eggs but still possible. These affect the breathing and may be seen as a cough, noisy breathing (wheeze) and circulation. Babies and small children may become pale and floppy, while older children and adults may feel dizzy and lose consciousness.

"Severe allergic reactions are a medical emergency, and an ambulance should be called immediately," Allergy UK warned.

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."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter