Food allergy can have very grave consequences. Therefore, it is very important for authorities to monitor any errors in mislabelling, or oversight in leaving out ingredient from foods labels. Food recalls are conducted to prevent health risks when such errors are detected after the fact.
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Earlier this week, the FSA or Food Standards Authority of the UK had issued an emergency notice to recall Lotte Pepero Snowy Almond from across stores all over the country. According to the FSA, the product contains peanuts and sesame which have not been mentioned on the label.
Health risks due to undeclared ingredients
As per the FSA risk declaration,
This product contains peanuts and sesame making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts and/or sesame.
As reported by Express, the product in question is a biscuit stick covered in chocolate and crushed almonds. It is sold in many UK stores including supermarket giant Sainsbury.
The company that produces this snack, Unisnacks Europe Limited has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers, which explains to customers why the product is being recalled and what to do in case they have already purchased it.
Peanut and sesame allergy risks
As per Healthline, nut and sesame allergies must be taken extremely seriously because they can be life-threatening. According to the report, sesame allergy does not get as much attention as peanut allergy, but it could also be as dangerous for people.
In fact, with people’s food palate diversifying and the growing popularity of sesame oil, the instances of sesame allergy has increased over the last couple of years.
Sources used:
Food Standards Authority: ' Update 1: Unisnacks Europe Limited recalls Lotte Pepero Snowy Almond because of undeclared peanuts and sesame'
Express: ' Sainsbury's recalls chocolate snack due to health fears - 'do not eat it''
Healthline: ' Understanding Sesame Allergies'
Read more:
⋙ Aldi issues urgent recall of one popular product over mislabelling
⋙ Urgent recall: ASDA warns against consuming popular dessert over allergy fears
⋙ Tesco recalls numerous desserts due to allergen hazard from undeclared walnuts
