Major UK supermarkets, Tesco and Morrisons, have urgently recalled a widely popular ready meal due to a potentially life-threatening health risk. Shoppers have been warned not to consume the product after a packaging error led to the unlabelled presence of shellfish, a severe allergen for many people.
The La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne was found to contain lobster and prawns, posing a serious threat to those with crustacean allergies. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an immediate alert, urging customers to return the product for a full refund.
The Packaging Error That Led to a Health Scare
According to the Food Standards Agency, a packaging error is responsible for the contamination of the La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne. Some of these products were found to contain prawn and lobster lasagne, which was not mentioned on the label.
This failure to disclose the presence of crustaceans could trigger severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, in consumers who unknowingly consume the meal.
The product in question was sold in 700g packs, with the batch code L0B510816 and a use-by date of 17 June 2025. The FSA has warned customers with crustacean allergies to avoid eating the lasagne and to return any affected products to the store for a full refund.
Additionally, Giovanni Rana Ltd, the manufacturer, is reaching out to allergy support organisations to ensure that those at risk are aware of the recall.
A Life-Threatening Allergy Risk
Shellfish allergies affect a significant portion of the UK population. It is estimated that up to three per cent of adults suffer from this type of allergy, translating to approximately 1.5 million people. An allergic reaction to shellfish can range from mild symptoms, such as itching or swelling, to the life-threatening condition of anaphylaxis.
In cases of anaphylaxis, individuals can experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. The most severe reactions can lead to death if not treated immediately.
Health experts emphasise the importance of knowing the signs of an allergic reaction and the swift use of an adrenaline auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, to counteract the reaction.
The recall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly labelled foods. Supermarket customers with allergies are urged to check their products carefully and to return any affected items to avoid health risks.
