The Christmas period highlights ongoing challenges for retailers in accurately labelling allergen-free products. The recall involves a 220g cupcake pack marketed as dairy-free, which may contain milk, a potentially serious risk for individuals with milk allergies or intolerances.
The Food Standards Agency issued an official allergy alert on 22 December, warning consumers that the affected product should not be consumed by anyone with a milk allergy. According to the agency, symptoms can range from mild to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Product Withdrawn Nationwide Over Allergy Concerns
Tesco has removed the product from its stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and urged customers not to eat the cupcakes if they have already purchased them. The affected item, Tesco Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes, comes in a 220g pack and carries best-before dates up to and including 17 January 2026. According to the Food Standards Agency, the presence of milk in a product labelled as “free from” dairy presents a serious health risk.
In response, Tesco has posted point-of-sale notices in all affected stores. These notices explain why the recall was necessary and provide guidance for customers. Shoppers who purchased the cupcakes are advised to return them to any Tesco store for a full refund, regardless of whether they still have the receipt. Tesco has also contacted allergy support organisations to help spread awareness of the recall among vulnerable individuals.
According to the FSA, when a product is incorrectly labelled and poses an allergy risk, it must be either withdrawn from sale or recalled from customers. In this instance, the latter action has been taken. The agency classified the mislabelling as making the product “unsafe” for a specific group of consumers.
Broader Issues Around Allergen Labelling
The recall highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the accuracy of allergen information in “free from” food ranges, particularly during high-sales periods such as Christmas. According to the Food Standards Agency, accurate labelling is vital in ensuring the safety of customers with food allergies, who rely heavily on the information printed on packaging.
There has been no indication that other Tesco products are affected by the same issue. However, the incident adds to a wider conversation about the rigour of allergen control in supermarket supply chains. Tesco has not issued a formal statement beyond the recall notice. For further information, customers have been directed to the retailer’s customer service portal. While the response has been swift, the incident reinforces the importance of double-checking labelling protocols, particularly on items where the absence of specific allergens is a key selling point.
Consumers are urged to examine the packaging of any products already purchased and to reach out to Tesco if they are unsure about potential allergens. For those with allergies, even small labelling oversights can carry significant consequences.
