Major Supermarket Chain Issues Urgent Recall for Ritz Product
A prominent UK supermarket chain has been compelled to initiate an urgent product recall due to a significant health risk. Farmfoods, which operates multiple branches across Birmingham, has removed its Ritz Cheese Sandwiches from store shelves following the discovery of undeclared allergens.
Details of the Recall and Health Concerns
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that the recall specifically affects Ritz Cheese Sandwiches originating from Indonesia, with all batch codes flagged for the 91g pack size. Products from other countries are not impacted by this action.
The primary issue lies in the labelling error, as the product contains milk, soya, and wheat (gluten), which are not adequately emphasised on the packaging. This omission poses a serious health risk to individuals with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients, including those with coeliac disease.
Official Statements and Consumer Guidance
According to the FSA risk statement, consumers who have purchased this item and have relevant allergies should refrain from consuming it. Instead, they are advised to return the product to any Farmfoods store for a full refund, with no receipt required.
Farmfoods has acknowledged the labelling error, stating that the product does not properly highlight wheat, cheese, whey, and soy as allergens. The company is displaying point-of-sale recall notices in all affected stores and on its website to alert customers.
Steps for Affected Customers
- Do not consume the Ritz Cheese Sandwiches if you have allergies or intolerances to milk, soya, or wheat/gluten.
- Return the product to the Farmfoods store where it was purchased for a full refund.
- Contact Farmfoods Customer Services at 0121 700 7160 for further information or concerns.
The supermarket has apologised for the inconvenience, emphasising its commitment to consumer safety. This recall is limited to the specified Ritz product, with no other items in the Ritz range affected.
