Food safety authorities have issued a nationwide alert after a packaging error led to the mislabelling of a vegan snack sold at Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s. With rising demand for plant-based options, such incidents raise critical questions about consumer protection and quality control in food manufacturing.
Plant-Based Deli Meat Withdrawn Due to Allergen Labelling Error
A mislabelling incident has led to a product recall across Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, after packs of THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Deli Pieces were found to contain undeclared allergens. The product, a popular £3.30 vegan-friendly option, was incorrectly packaged with labels for a different item, THIS™ Isn’t Cocktail Sausages, which do not list soya or wheat (gluten).
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), this mistake poses a “possible health risk” to individuals with allergies to soya, wheat or gluten, or those living with coeliac disease. The affected items were sold in 120g packs with use-by dates ranging from 29 January to 13 February 2026. The warning applies to consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.
The FSA issued an Allergy Alert on 28 January 2026, confirming that the company THIS™ had initiated a product recall and would be placing point-of-sale notices in stores to inform customers of the issue. These notices explain the error and advise those who may be affected to return the product, even without a receipt, for a full refund.
In a statement, THIS™ said: “The safety of our customers is always our top priority.” Consumers have also been advised that they can consult the company’s official website to verify the correct ingredient list for the product in question. The company has also contacted relevant allergy support organisations to help disseminate the alert.
Fsa Urges Caution as Customers with Allergies Are Advised Not to Consume Affected Product
The recalled product includes a total of ten separate use-by dates, with all packs weighing 120g. The dates span from 29 January, 30 January, and 31 January, through 2 to 6 February, and finally 12 and 13 February. All these packs may carry incorrect labelling which fails to mention the inclusion of soya and wheat ingredients.
According to the Food Standards Agency, these allergens are known to trigger serious reactions in vulnerable individuals, ranging from digestive distress to life-threatening conditions. For consumers with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients, or those diagnosed with coeliac disease, even trace amounts can lead to significant health issues.
The FSA has explained that recalls such as this are not uncommon when products are found to contain allergens that are not properly declared on the packaging. In this instance, the mismatch occurred when a batch of THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Deli Pieces was mistakenly labelled as THIS™ Isn’t Cocktail Sausages, which have a different allergen profile.
The agency has urged anyone who has purchased the affected product and may be at risk not to consume it. Instead, they are encouraged to return the item to the store where it was bought. Customers seeking more information can also contact the brand directly at [email protected].
This recall underscores the need for accurate allergen labelling and highlights the importance of consumer vigilance, particularly for individuals managing food allergies. The FSA regularly monitors and reports on such issues to ensure food safety standards are upheld throughout the UK.
