‘Do not eat’ warning as Scots baker recalls packs of brown rolls

In a recent development, major UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s and Asda, have issued an urgent recall of McGhee’s Family Bakers’ 6 Scottish Brown Rolls. This action follows the discovery of a packaging error that poses a significant health risk to consumers with soya allergies.

'Do not eat' warning as Scots baker recalls packs of brown rolls

Details of the Recall

The recall pertains specifically to the 6-pack Scottish Brown Rolls with a best-before date of January 12, 2025, and batch number LS5007. Due to a packaging error, some packs labeled as brown rolls contain white rolls, which include soya—a known allergen not declared on the brown roll packaging. This mislabeling presents a potential health hazard for individuals allergic to soya.

Health Implications

Soya allergies can trigger a range of reactions, from mild symptoms like hives and itching to severe anaphylactic responses requiring immediate medical attention. The inadvertent consumption of soya by allergic individuals underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who have purchased the specified product are advised not to consume it if they have a soya allergy. Instead, they should return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund. No receipt is necessary for the return. For further inquiries, customers can contact McGhee’s Family Bakers directly via email at technical@mcgheesbakery.co.uk.

Official Statements

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has issued an alert regarding this recall, emphasizing the health risks associated with the undeclared allergen. The agency has advised consumers to check their purchases and adhere to the recall notice.

Retailer Actions

Both Sainsbury’s and Asda have removed the affected product from their shelves and have posted point-of-sale notices in stores to inform customers of the recall. These notices provide details about the product, the reason for the recall, and instructions for obtaining a refund.

Broader Context

This incident is part of a series of recent food product recalls in the UK due to allergen concerns. Other products, such as certain batches of Sultans Turkish Delight and Waitrose’s Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2, have also been recalled over undeclared allergens. These events highlight the ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and distribution regarding allergen management and labeling accuracy.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate such risks, food manufacturers are urged to implement stringent quality control measures, including thorough checks to ensure accurate labeling and prevent cross-contamination. Consumers, particularly those with food allergies, are advised to remain vigilant by reading product labels carefully and staying informed about recent recalls through official channels.

Conclusion

The recall of McGhee’s Scottish Brown Rolls serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accurate food labeling and the potential health risks posed by packaging errors. Both retailers and consumers play vital roles in ensuring food safety—retailers through diligent quality assurance processes, and consumers through awareness and prompt action in response to recall notices.

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