A popular pesto product has been recalled across the UK due to a critical undeclared allergen, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced on Saturday. Filippo Berio UK is voluntarily recalling its Filippo Berio Hot Chilli Pesto because it contains fish that was not declared on the product's packaging.
Allergen Alert Prompts Urgent Recall
The recall specifically affects the 190g pack size of the Hot Chilli Pesto, identified by batch code LR319 and a best-before date of May 15, 2028. The FSA has warned that the presence of undeclared fish makes the product a potential health risk for individuals with a fish allergy. This oversight means that consumers who are unaware of the fish content could unknowingly consume a product that could trigger a severe allergic reaction.
Filippo Berio UK is actively working to inform its customers about the recall. The company has been advised to contact relevant allergy support organisations to ensure that individuals with fish allergies are made aware of the issue. Furthermore, a point-of-sale notice has been issued to retailers. These notices provide customers with detailed information about why the product is being recalled and the necessary steps to take if they have purchased it.
Consumer Action and Refund Information
Consumers who have bought the affected Filippo Berio Hot Chilli Pesto and have a fish allergy are strongly advised not to consume it. Instead, they should return the product to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund. This measure is in place to prevent any accidental exposure to the allergen and to ensure consumer safety. The company's proactive approach in issuing a point-of-sale notice aims to minimize the risk of allergic reactions by informing consumers at the point of purchase.
The Food Standards Agency regularly monitors and issues alerts for food products that may pose a health risk due to undeclared ingredients or contamination. These recalls are crucial for maintaining public health and ensuring that food businesses adhere to strict labelling regulations. This incident highlights the importance of accurate allergen labelling in the food industry, safeguarding consumers with dietary restrictions.
The company has not provided further details on how the undeclared fish occurred in the production process, but the focus remains on rectifying the situation and ensuring consumer safety. This recall serves as a reminder for all food manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control and allergen management protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Shoppers are encouraged to check their pantries for the specific batch of pesto and to follow the return instructions if the product matches the recall criteria.