M&S issues urgent 'do not eat' warning over popular chocolate – reactions could be 'life-threatening'

The high street retailer confirmed that specific batches of the chocolate honeycomb may have been contaminated during production, a serious concern for those who rely on accurate labelling to keep themselves safe.

The affected products carry lot number 5242 and have a best-before date of May 12, 2026. Affected barcodes include 0917568 and 29143603.

The contamination means these sweets could trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe allergic responses.

In light of this, M&S is urging customers who have bought these particular packs to check their cupboards straight away.

Anyone with a peanut allergy who has eaten this chocolate should seek medical advice if they're feeling unwell.

The recall was announced through the FSA yesterday, with M&S moving quickly to remove the affected stock from its stores.

"Please do not consume the product if you have an allergy or intolerance to peanuts," the supermarket advised.

"If you wish to exchange the product, you can return it to your nearest store, where a full refund will be given."

Shoppers who require further assistance can contact M&S customer services at 03330 148555.

M&S emphasised that no other Milk Chocolate Honeycomb batches have been affected by the recall.

The supermarket assured shoppers: "Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take all issues regarding the production of our foods extremely seriously."

LATEST FOOD NEWS:

• Tesco faces backlash over this year's Christmas sandwiches – 'I'm fed up with it!'
• Asda says its mince pies will 'steal the limelight' this year as indulgent 'twist' is revealed
• Food recall: British shoppers called to action over allergy alert – here's what you need to do

Symptoms of a peanut allergy

Peanut allergy affects around two per cent of children in the UK, usually developing in early childhood, although it can occasionally appear in later life. It tends to be persistent, with approximately one in five children outgrowing their allergy, typically by the age of 10.

Medical charity Allergy UK stated: "Signs and symptoms usually occur within minutes of contact with peanuts, but can also occur up to one hour later.

"Most allergic reactions are mild, but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening."

Mild to moderate symptoms include an itchy mouth, tongue and throat; swelling of lips, around the eyes or face; red, raised, itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria); vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea; runny nose and sneezing.

Meanwhile, severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include; swelling of the tongue and/or throat; difficulty in swallowing or speaking; change in voice (hoarse voice); wheeze (whistling noise) or persistent cough; difficult or noisy breathing; dizziness, collapse, loss of consciousness (due to a drop in blood pressure); pale, floppy, sudden sleepiness in babies.

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."