The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent product recall notice affecting two popular sushi items sold in supermarkets across the United Kingdom. Consumers are being strongly advised not to consume these products and to return them immediately to their place of purchase.
Affected Products and Safety Concerns
Wholesale Japanese food supplier Tanpopo has confirmed the recall following the discovery of a critical labelling error. The specific products involved are the Tanpopo Surimi & Avocado Roll with a use-by date of February 13, 2026, and the Tanpopo Chicken Katsu Roll with a use-by date of February 14, 2026.
The Food Standards Agency stated clearly: "The products listed have been labelled with incorrect use by dates which makes them unsafe to consume." This official warning highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming products that may have been incorrectly dated, potentially masking spoilage or contamination issues.
What Consumers Need to Do
If you have purchased either of these Tanpopo sushi products, the FSA provides explicit instructions:
- Do not consume the products under any circumstances
- Return them to the store where they were purchased
- Request a full refund from the retailer
Retail outlets selling these products are required to display point-of-sale notices explaining the recall situation and providing guidance to customers who may have purchased the affected items.
Understanding Food Safety Procedures
The Food Standards Agency has clarified the distinction between different types of food safety actions on their official website. When a problem is identified with a food product that means it should not be sold, authorities may implement either a withdrawal or a recall.
A withdrawal involves removing products from shelves, while a recall goes further by asking customers to return products they have already purchased. This current situation represents a full recall, indicating the seriousness of the labelling error and the potential safety implications.
Official Communication Channels
Tanpopo Japanese Food has provided contact information for consumers seeking additional details about this recall. Customers can reach the company via email at info@tanpopo.co.uk or by telephone at 01784 440 957 during business hours.
The FSA regularly issues Product Recall Information Notices to alert both consumers and local authorities about food safety concerns. In more serious cases, they may escalate to issuing a "Food Alert for Action," which provides specific instructions to local authorities regarding necessary protective measures for consumers.
This recall serves as an important reminder for consumers to regularly check official food safety announcements and to remain vigilant about product labelling when purchasing prepared foods, particularly those with shorter shelf lives like fresh sushi products.
