Major supermarket recalls popular Chinese takeaway meal over potentially deadly allergy risk
After being compelled to withdraw one of its goods because it was thought to pose a potential health concern, a major retailer has expressed regret.
Because the popular dish contains mollusks that aren’t listed on the label, consumers in England, Scotland, and Wales have been advised not to eat it.
Certain batches of Waitrose’s own brand, “Chinese Takeaway Bag for 2,” have been recalled because they could be fatal to anyone who has a shellfish allergy.
In a statement released yesterday (December 4), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that only batches with use-by dates between September 21, 2024, and December 4, 2024, are impacted.
Consumers are being advised not to eat the possibly harmful items and to inspect their refrigerators and freezers for them.
Rather, they have been instructed to return the items to any Waitrose location for a complete refund; a receipt is not required.
Read more on food recalls
The retailer issued a statement saying, “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and the necessity of recalling this product.”
According to the FSA, the store has notified all of its patrons and the appropriate allergy support groups, who will inform their members about the recall.
Studies show that between 0.2% and 0.5% of British people have a shellfish allergy, which includes mollusks including clams, mussels, and oysters.
Given that there are about 67 million individuals living in the UK, between 134,000 and 335,000 people may be impacted by this recall and a shellfish allergy.
One of the most serious allergies to have is said to be to shellfish.
What to do next if you have recalled food or products
This is because some studies indicate that the allergy’s symptoms manifest more quickly than those of other allergies.
These foods can cause anything from a sniffle or itching to the potentially fatal airway-blocking condition known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms that range from mild to moderate include:
- Rash (hives or ‘nettle’ rash)
- Swelling around the lips, face or eyes
- Itchy throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth
- Stomach pain
Extreme symptoms:
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough
- Chest tightness
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
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According to a 2021 review of UK NHS data, the number of deaths from severe food-related reactions has decreased during the previous 20 years.
Those who have allergies may face significant health risks; Love Island star Jack Fowler described how a severe allergic response nearly killed him during a flight to Dubai.
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
Allergy symptoms typically appear minutes after coming into touch with the offending food or trigger, although they can occasionally appear up to an hour later.
Although moderate to severe allergic reactions are possible, the majority are minor.
The most serious and potentially fatal type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Among the mild to moderate symptoms are:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
The following are severe anaphylactic symptoms:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
It is important to treat anaphylaxis and its symptoms as a medical emergency.
If you believe you or someone you’re with is experiencing an anaphylactic response, take the following actions:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Even when you feel better, never stand or move.
Sources: NHS, Allergy UK
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