Affected items include chocolate treats, custard tarts and stroopwafels, with recalls prompted by missing allergen labels, incorrect packaging, and even possible metal fragments in one case. Consumers are advised to check their cupboards and return listed products to the point of sale for a full refund.
Food Recalls Issued after Labelling and Contamination Concerns
A number of sweet items sold by major UK discount retailers have been withdrawn from shelves this week following concerns over food safety. Aldi recalled two products: Dairyfine Crispy Choc Um’s and PYB02 PANATAS Custard Tarts. According to the FSA, the chocolate product may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk to individuals with allergies. The custard tarts, meanwhile, failed to list egg, milk, wheat, and potentially hazelnuts, sesame, and soya, rendering them unsuitable for allergy sufferers and those with coeliac disease.
Also under scrutiny are Rose Halloween Spooky Tea Cakes, sold at both Aldi and Lidl, which were found to be incorrectly packaged with Rose Orchard Tea Cakes. These contained egg, not mentioned on the label. The FSAI stated that the affected batches, which all carry best-before dates between 28 August 2026 and 24 September 2026, “may be unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of eggs”.
At Home Bargains, three types of Milka chocolate bars—Hazelnut (90g), Whole Nut (95g), and Oreo Brownie (100g)—are being recalled due to labelling in a foreign language, meaning key allergen information is not available in English. According to the FSA, these pose a health risk for those with allergies to milk, hazelnuts, soya, wheat, or gluten.
In another instance, Lidl GB has issued a recall for its XXL Sondey Stroopwaffel with Caramel Flavour Filling & Butter due to the potential presence of small metal fragments in the product. The affected packs (560g) have best-before dates of 21 November, 2 December, and 3 December. The FSA warned customers not to consume the product and to return it to their nearest Lidl branch.
Regulatory Bodies Urge Consumers to Remain Alert
These recalls underline the continued vigilance required from consumers and suppliers alike when it comes to food safety standards. According to the Food Standards Agency, all affected products can be returned for a full refund, and no receipt is required.
In Ireland, the FSAI issued similar advice, especially in cases where the allergen was not listed at all or labelled in a different language, making it inaccessible to many consumers.
While no reports of illness or injury have been made public so far, the recalls serve as a reminder of the strict compliance required by food producers and distributors in the UK and EU markets. Food labelling laws are designed not only to inform, but to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly those with allergies and intolerances that can result in life-threatening reactions.
Retailers have moved quickly to remove the affected items from shelves. The FSA has reiterated that these recalls are precautionary, and consumers with concerns can consult their website or contact retailers directly for further guidance. Each of the affected products represents a different failure point in the food supply chain, from packaging mishaps to quality control oversights, reinforcing the need for stringent monitoring and transparent labelling practices across the sector.
