The Food Standards Authority (FSA) has issued an urgent warning to peanut allergy sufferers, advising them to avoid consuming foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard powder, or mustard flour. The warning comes after it was discovered that these ingredients may have been contaminated with peanuts, a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in those who are allergic.
The FSA has identified a producer in India, GT Agro Industries, as the source of the contaminated mustard ingredients. These ingredients have been supplied to several companies in the UK, including FGS Ingredients, which has already recalled over 50 products. The affected products include popular items such as Domino’s dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce. These products may have been contaminated with peanuts, which can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
The FSA is working closely with local authorities, individual businesses, and the industry to identify which products may be affected and to trace the contaminated mustard ingredients back to their source. The agency is urging peanut allergy sufferers to take precautions to ensure their safety. Just Eat, a popular food delivery service, has also issued an email to its customers with peanut allergies, advising them to take steps to protect themselves.
If you have a peanut allergy and are a Just Eat customer, here are some steps you can take to stay safe. First, check your orders carefully to ensure that they do not contain peanut-based ingredients. However, since the FSA has issued a warning about mustard ingredients being contaminated with peanuts, you should also take the following steps. Before placing your order, contact the restaurant, café, or takeaway to ask if any of their products contain mustard. This is because mustard ingredients can be found in food such as dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packed sandwiches.
It’s also important to sign up for FSA allergy alerts on their website. This will ensure that you receive timely updates on any future allergy recalls and can take steps to protect yourself. Additionally, be aware of potential contamination and take steps to keep yourself safe. Remember that mustard ingredients may have been contaminated with peanuts, so it’s essential to be aware of this potential risk and take steps to minimize it.
If you have any of the recalled products, such as Domino’s dips, SPAR sandwich fillers, salads, or Harvester BBQ sauce, check the ingredients to see if they contain mustard or mustard powder. If they do, do not consume them. Instead, return them to the store where you purchased them or contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
Food businesses have a legal obligation to provide customers with accurate information about the ingredients used in their products. In light of this warning, food businesses are urged to check their suppliers to ensure that they are providing them with ingredients that are free from peanut contamination. They should also label products accurately, including any potential allergens, and train staff to be aware of the potential contamination and to provide accurate information to customers.
The FSA’s warning highlights the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in the food industry. Peanut allergy sufferers should take steps to protect themselves by being aware of potential contamination and taking precautions when ordering food. Food businesses must also take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their products and providing accurate information to customers.
In addition to the recalled products, the FSA has also issued guidance to food businesses on how to manage the risk of peanut contamination. The agency is urging businesses to review their supply chains and to ensure that they are sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers. They should also implement robust quality control measures to detect any potential contamination and to take corrective action if necessary.
The FSA is also working closely with local authorities and the industry to identify any other products that may be affected by the contamination. The agency is urging consumers to report any concerns they may have about the safety of food products to their local authority or to the FSA.
In conclusion, the FSA’s warning highlights the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in the food industry. Peanut allergy sufferers should take steps to protect themselves by being aware of potential contamination and taking precautions when ordering food. Food businesses must also take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their products and providing accurate information to customers. By working together, we can minimize the risk of allergic reactions and ensure a safe and healthy food supply.