Major supermarket urgently recalls pasta favorite due to life-threatening allergy risk
Batches of the irresistible luxury lasagna Al Forno, sold in packs of 700 g, with a best before date of November 17, 2024, are subject to the recall
Co-op supermarket is recalling packets of its own brand lasagna over fears it poses a ‘potential health risk’.
The supermarket chain said the popular ready-made meal may contain the allergens mustard and sulphites, which were not listed on the label.
Batches of the irresistible luxury lasagna Al Forno, sold in 700g packs, with a best before date of November 17, 2024, are included in the recall.
Officials from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the warning, warned that the products are ‘unsafe to eat’ due to the potential impact on people with life-threatening allergies.
It added that the product “poses a possible risk to anyone with an allergy to mustard or a sensitivity to sulfur dioxide or sulphites.”
Mustard allergies are believed to be rare, but for those who do suffer from them, reactions can be severe and cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
However, some experience a rash, tingling and itching in the mouth, stomach pain, and swelling of the lips or face.
Sulfites refer to a group of substances including sulfur dioxide and sodium or potassium metabisulfite. They occur naturally in some foods, but are also used as a preservative and bleaching agent to ensure that foods last longer.
Most people who have reactions to sulphites have what are called sensitivity reactions.
Unlike an allergy, this type of reaction does not involve the immune system but can cause allergic symptoms that affect breathing and can sometimes be serious, explains Anaphylaxis UK.
Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness and coughing, as well as stomach pain and rash.
Customers who purchased the deluxe lasagnas affected by the recall are eligible for a refund or replacement, depending on store availability
The Cooperative has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, who will inform their members of the recall
Officials from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the warning, warned that the products are ‘unsafe to eat’
The Cooperative has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, who will inform their members about the recall.
The company has also sent a point of sale notice to its customers to explain why the product is being recalled.
In addition to removing the products from shelves, it has also urged people to throw them away.
Customers who purchased the deluxe lasagnas affected by the recall are eligible for a refund.
The FSA carries out food recalls – asking customers to return a product – when issues are spotted that mean a product should not be sold.
The watchdog told customers: ‘If you have purchased the above product and are allergic to mustard and/or sensitive to sulfur dioxide and/or sulphites, please do not use it.
“Instead, throw the product away.”