Waitrose has issued a recall for its 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns due to an undeclared allergen. The upmarket retailer, which operates branches in Solihull and Birmingham, is urging customers to return the product for a full refund.
Recall Details
The affected product is the Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Bun packs with a best before date of 06 June 2026. The recall was initiated because the buns contain barley, which is not declared on the label. Barley is a common allergen that can cause adverse reactions in people with intolerance or allergies.
In a statement, Waitrose said: "We are recalling Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns due to an undeclared allergen - Barley." The company added: "Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund. Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4."
The retailer apologised for the inconvenience: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to assure customers of our continued commitment to the highest standards of product quality and food safety."
New Collaboration with Angela Hartnett
The recall comes during the same week Waitrose unveiled a new collaboration with celebrated chef Angela Hartnett. The exclusive partnership, titled 'Angela Hartnett with Waitrose', marks her first fresh supermarket retail range. The collection aims to bring authentic Italian flavours into British homes this summer.
Hartnett commented: "I’m delighted to launch this new Italian range with Waitrose, offering authentic and sophisticated, yet simple, elevated Italian. It’s exactly the kind of food I love: delicate and delicious filled pastas, vibrant sauces, spaghetti and comforting lasagna - all rooted in the Italian traditions of my heritage."
She added: "I’ve kept things authentic to honour my Italian roots, but added my own signature touch with products inspired by recipes I’ve been making for decades. I’m really proud of this collection and I can’t wait to hear what customers think."
Barbara Ross, Product Developer at Waitrose, said: "I’ve loved working with Angela on this range. We really wanted to tap into that craving for restaurant-quality food at home, and this 'Angela Hartnett with Waitrose' collection is all about bringing those authentic flavours to the table for the ultimate 'dinner for tonight' treat."
Ross continued: "By working so closely with Angela and our trusted suppliers, we’ve crafted recipes that feel elevated but keep that true Italian heart. It’s really about giving food lovers the inspiration to turn a standard Tuesday night into a high-end regional Italian feast that’s actually quick, easy and accessible."
