Food recall: British shoppers called to action over allergy alert – here's what you need to do

This omission creates a potential danger for consumers who suffer from sesame allergies.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the alert, advising Britons: "If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to sesame, do not eat it."

They were further advised to return the falafel mix to their point of purchase to receive a complete refund.

The recalled product comes in 400g packages, marketed as containing 350g plus an additional 50g.

Affected shoppers should examine their purchases for two specific batch numbers: B:01 and B:49.

These batches carry best-before dates of February 1, 2028 and February 9, 2028, respectively.

It's important to note that the labelling error affects only these particular production runs.

Goodies Foods Mediterranean has notified relevant allergy support groups about the withdrawal.

The company has also distributed notices at retail locations to inform shoppers about the safety issue.

Anyone requiring additional details can reach Goodies Foods Mediterranean directly at 02089639111.

Alternatively, concerned customers may send enquiries via email to info@goodiesfoodsltd.com.

The manufacturer continues working to ensure all affected products are removed from British retailers' shelves.

Symptoms of a sesame allergy

Sesame allergy can start in childhood and usually carries on into adulthood. About two in 10 children outgrow it, usually by the age of around six. Sesame allergy can also begin in adulthood.

It is currently one of the top 10 causes of food allergies.

Anaphylaxis UK stated: "The symptoms of sesame allergy usually come on quickly, within minutes of eating the food.

"Mild to moderate symptoms may include a red raised itchy rash (known as hives or urticaria) anywhere on the body; swelling of the face, lips and/or eyes; tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth; mild throat tightness; stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea."

The most serious allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, where the sufferer struggles with their breathing, or their heart rhythm or blood pressure is affected. On rare occasions, this can be fatal.

More "serious" symptoms are often referred to as ABC symptoms. These include airway (swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing), breathing (sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, persistent cough), and circulation (dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, confusion, pale, clammy skin, loss of consciousness, or collapse).

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."

While food safety alerts aren't too common, they must always be taken seriously to ensure shopper safety.

The current Goodies Foods Mediterranean recall comes days after Aldi ice creams were urgently pulled from shelves.

The supermarket discovered the product contains wheat (gluten), an allergen not declared on the packaging.

In light of this, shoppers were advised to follow typical recall protocol: avoid the product if they have an allergy or intolerance to wheat, then return it to Aldi for a full refund.

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