‘Do not eat’ warning issued over fears ready meal sold at Tesco could trigger killer allergic reactions
A READY meal sold in some major supermarkets has been recalled over fears it could trigger life-threatening reactions.
The Food Standards Agency has warned some packs of Scratch Chicken Pad Thai with Noodles and Veggies may contain peanuts not listed on the label.
It means the microwaveable dish – sold in Tesco and Sainsbury’s – could prove fatal to anyone allergic to peanuts.
The affected batches weigh 360g and have the following use-by-dates: January 25,24,27, and 28.
The meals come in a clear plastic box with a white and orange sleeve.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to peanuts, do not eat it,” the FSA said.
The manufacturer, Scratch Meals Ltd, has issued a point-of-sale notice which explains to customers why the product is being recalled.
It read: “The produce is a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to/an intolerance to/is sensitive to peanut”.
In the notice published yesterday (Monday), those who have bought the item were advised to check the use-by-date, which can be found on the top panel of the sleeve.
People with affected batches have been told to return them to the store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
For further information, contact Scratch Meals Ltd on 01472 350197 and hello@mealsfromscratch.co.uk.
What is a peanut allergy?
Peanut allergies affect up to one in 50 people in the UK.
Allergies can cause potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, which is caused by the body’s immune system overreacting.
The number of UK hospital admissions for anaphylaxis increased more than six-fold in the two decades up to 2012, Allergy UK has previously warned.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to nuts can vary but do include hives, itching in or around the mouth and throat and diarrhoea.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
Ambulances should also be rung immediately.
What to do if someone is suffering an allergic reaction
Call 999 if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
If you or someone you’re with has a serious allergic reaction and an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), you should use it immediately.
Instructions are included on the side of the injector.
Call 999 for an ambulance after using the injector, even if you or the person you’re with seems to be feeling better.
Source: NHS