A routine safety notice has been issued across the UK following the discovery that mustard, a common allergen, was present in Young’s Gastro 2 Lemon & Pepper Fish Fillets without being listed on the label. Sold in supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, the affected product poses a potential health risk to consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to mustard.
The recall is limited to specific batches of the 270g product, with the batch code F2 L5283 and a best-before date marked for the end of October 2026. This measure comes as part of a broader alert from the Food Standards Agency, which urges customers with mustard allergies to avoid consuming the product altogether.
Safety Concern Due to Labelling Error
The issue centres on an undeclared allergen that could have serious consequences for allergy sufferers. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the fillets were “manufactured using an ingredient containing mustard, which is not declared on the label”. While mustard is not harmful to most people, it can trigger adverse reactions in those with specific food allergies, making accurate labelling a legal and safety necessity.
As part of the official response, the FSA published an Allergy Alert on Friday, 19 December, notifying the public of the issue. The agency advised: “If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.” Customers are also encouraged to contact Young’s Seafood via their consumer care email for further information.
Young’s Seafood released a statement acknowledging the oversight and confirming that “the safety and quality of our products is very important to us, and we take all issues regarding the production of our food extremely seriously”. The company also reassured consumers that no other Young’s Seafood products are affected by this recall.
Supermarkets Involved and Public Communication
The recalled fillets have been distributed widely across the UK, with leading supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s among the known stockists. Though no cases of allergic reactions have been reported so far, the FSA and Young’s Seafood have taken swift action to minimise risk.
The FSA further explained the difference between a withdrawal and a recall in their guidance on food safety procedures. According to the agency, food products are sometimes withdrawn or recalled “if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk”. In this case, the presence of mustard, undisclosed on the label, triggered a full product recall, not just a removal from shelves.
Customers are advised to return the affected item to the place of purchase for a full refund, even without a receipt. Those unable to visit the store can contact Young’s Seafood directly at [email protected] for further assistance. The company has apologised to consumers for the inconvenience and reiterated its commitment to food safety standards.
