Food Standards Scotland published Update 8 of its allergy alert on 30 October 2024, covering the recall by several brands of spice products that contain mustard because they may contain peanuts which are not mentioned on the label1. The alert forms part of a series: Update 7 was published on 29 October 20242 and Update 9 on 31 October 20243, each carrying the same product description and consumer advice.
The agency states that the products "may contain peanuts making them a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts"1. The recall is described as a precautionary step taken by the brands concerned, and the products are sold under several different brand names at several different retail stores1. The full list of affected products is set out in Annex A of each update, and the point of sale notices in Annex B1. Food Standards Scotland says the alert should be read in conjunction with FSS-AA-036-2024 (Update 12) and FSS-AA-038-2024 (Update 1)1.
On action taken, the agency says the brands "have been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall"1. Point of sale notices explaining why the products are being recalled, and what customers should do, will be displayed where the products were sold1.
"If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy to peanuts, do not eat them. Instead return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund."
The updates do not give a total number of products, brands or stores affected in the alert text itself; those details sit in the annexes1. No illnesses linked to the recall are reported in the updates.
Why it matters for households
The recall affects shoppers who have bought mustard-containing spice products sold under several brand names at several retailers, and it matters most in households where someone has a diagnosed peanut allergy1. The risk identified is undeclared peanut in products whose labels do not mention it1. Food Standards Scotland's advice to consumers with a peanut allergy is not to eat any of the affected products and to return them to the store where they were bought for a full refund1. The agency says allergy support organisations are being contacted so their members are told about the recall, and that notices will be on display where the products were sold1. Households can check the product list in Annex A of the relevant update against items in their cupboards1.
What happens next
Food Standards Scotland has continued to publish numbered updates to the alert, with Update 9 dated 31 October 2024 following Update 81. Further updates, and any change to the list of affected products, have not been reported. Households can follow the food hub for related guidance.
Sources (3)
- Update 8: Several brands recall products containing mustard because they may be contaminated with peanut | Food Standards Scotland, foodstandards.gov.scot
- Update 7: Several brands recall products containing mustard because they may be contaminated with peanut | Food Standards Scotland, foodstandards.gov.scot
- Update 9: Several brands recall products containing mustard because they may be contaminated with peanut | Food Standards Scotland, foodstandards.gov.scot
