Food watchdog removes expensive chocolate beloved by late Queen from sale over possible deadly contamination
A prestigious chocolate manufacturer that held royal rights from the late Queen and the Queen Mother has been forced to pull products from its shelves due to a major health concern involving peanuts.
Prestat, located in Piccadilly in London’s West End, was founded in 1902 by legendary master chocolatier Antoine Dufour, the inventor of the chocolate truffle.
Prestat is one of the oldest and most exclusive British chocolate brands and has been a supplier to the Royal Family for many years.
Besides the two queens, her fans also include Princess Diana, Sarah Bernhardt, Sir John Gielgud, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Stephen Fry, Adrian Lester and Lord Mandelson.
Prestat chocolates have been a favourite of the royal family since the early 20th century, but four ‘collections’ of truffles and other treats are now being recalled over concerns about contamination.
Peanuts are among the most common causes of life-threatening anaphylaxis
According to the Food Standard Agency, the company has recalled four of its products, including chocolate boxes and truffles, over concerns they may be contaminated with peanuts that are not declared on the packaging.
People who are allergic to peanuts may experience a potentially fatal reaction.
Prestat chocolates are sold in Selfridges and other high street stores, with some boxed ‘collections’ costing nearly £50.
The recalled boxes include batches of The Jewel Box, The London Collection, The London Collection Earl Grey Thins, and The Festive House Earl Grey Truffles.
According to the FSA, multiple parties of The Jewel Box have been affected.
The FSA said: ‘Prestat is recalling chocolate products because they may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label and therefore pose a potential health risk to people with a peanut allergy.’
People with peanut allergies are urged not to eat the products and to return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.