A popular product from Aldi’s party food selection has been urgently withdrawn from the market over fears it could pose a life-threatening risk to people with allergies.
The supermarket chain said its Let’s Party Vegetable Bao Buns may contain sesame and duck meat that is not mentioned on the label.
Customers who bought the product, sold in packs of eight, were advised “not to eat it” as it could endanger the lives of people allergic to sesame.
The recall affects all packages of Aldi’s Let’s Party Vegetable Bao Buns and not a particular batch.
Officials from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), who published the alerttold customers allergic to sesame to return the product to the branch where they purchased it for a full refund.
Aldi stated in the recall: “Our supplier is recalling Let’s Party Vegetable Bao Buns due to an error which means some products contain an undeclared allergen (sesame) as well as duck meat which is not listed on the packaging.
“This can pose a health risk to anyone with a sesame allergy.”
He added: “We apologize that this product did not meet our usual high standards and we thank you for your cooperation.”
The recall affects all packs of Aldi’s Let’s Party Vegetable Bao Buns and not a particular batch.
Officials at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which issued the alert, told customers allergic to sesame to return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
Aldi has also contacted relevant allergy support organizations who will inform their members of the recall.
A notice has also been issued at the point of sale to its customers.
Sesame allergy affects one in 100 people, according to the NHS.
It has also become more common in the last 20 years, warns Anaphylaxis UK.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sesame include a rash, swelling around the face, lips or eyes, itchy throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and a scratchy sensation in the mouth.
Reactions like these can occur within minutes or more than a couple of hours after eating sesame products.
While most people with allergies only have mild reactions, it can cause severe reactions known as anaphylaxis.
When this happens, sufferers become unable to breathe and may lose consciousness.
If adrenaline (usually in the form of an Epipen) is not delivered quickly, patients are at risk of coma and death.
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who had a fatal nut allergy, died aged 15 after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret sandwich on a British Airways flight while returning home from a dream trip to Nice in 2016.
In the wake of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse’s death, her parents, Tanya and Nadim, campaigned for a “Natasha’s Law” to ensure all foods carry allergen warning labels.
Before the law came into force in 2021, retailers were taking advantage of a loophole in the legislation that meant producers did not have to put ingredient or allergen labels on food made on site.