Product recall: Waitrose issues food safety warning following major packaging error

Food Standards Agency

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

Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 23/07/2025

- 09:38

Updated: 23/07/2025

- 10:32

Shoppers should return affected products to their nearest Waitrose & Partners store

Waitrose has issued a product recall for its Indian Takeaway for 2 meal kits after discovering a packaging error that could pose a risk to customers with food allergies.

The supermarket chain explained that certain packs contain spring rolls instead of the intended contents, containing sesame and soya ingredients that are absent from the product labelling.


The mispacking incident affects products bearing the use-by date of July 25, 2025.

The presence of these undeclared allergens creates a potential health hazard for individuals who suffer from sesame or soya allergies, prompting immediate action from the retailer.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed its involvement in overseeing the recall process.

The agency warned that consumption of the affected products could pose serious health consequences for those with sensitivities to sesame or soya.

Waitrose has reached out to allergy support groups to ensure vulnerable customers receive prompt notification about the recall.

The retailer has also distributed recall notices across stores to alert shoppers who may have purchased the affected item.

Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2

Waitrose

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Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 have been recalled due to a packaging error

Customers who have purchased the affected product should avoid consuming it and instead bring it back to their nearest Waitrose & Partners store, where they will receive a complete refund.

The company has established a dedicated helpline for queries related to this recall, with customers able to reach Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 by selecting option 4.

In an official recall notice, Waitrose expressed regret over the incident. "We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused," the retailer stated.

The retailer emphasised that customer safety remains its primary concern throughout this recall process.

Baba's Sweet & Spicy SauceAsda | If you have purchased an affected Baba's Sweet & Spicy Sauce, return it to your nearest Asda store

It comes just days after Asda recalled Baba's Sweet & Spicy Sauce following the discovery of hazardous fermentation in multiple product batches.

The fermentation had generated excessive pressure within the glass containers, posing serious safety concerns for consumers.

Asda warned that lids might explosively detach during opening, while some containers could potentially break apart entirely.

Shoppers who have bought the product have been urged to avoid opening the containers and instead return them promptly.

The withdrawal specifically concerns bottles marked with a June 2026 expiry date and bearing the barcode 506500419700.

Seven production batches have been identified as problematic: 270502, 280503, 060605, 100602, 110603, 120604 and 160601.

The retailer has arranged for full reimbursement of all affected items, without requiring proof of purchase.

Consumers seeking further details can reach the manufacturer at sales@babasauce.co.uk or on +447805504102.

About product recalls and withdrawals

Food recalls are not too common, but must always be taken seriously to ensure customer safety.

The FSA stated: "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."