The recall serves as a reminder of the crucial role accurate labelling plays in protecting vulnerable consumers, particularly as festive food sales soar during the holiday season. Aldi has urged anyone who purchased the product to return it for a full refund and is working to prevent further incidents.
A Serious Health Risk for Egg Allergy Sufferers
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Aldi’s Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets were found to contain egg despite the absence of any mention of the allergen on the packaging. This presents a serious health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg, which can trigger severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
The affected product is sold in 278g packs with the use-by date of December 15, 2025. The FSA’s statement clarified that while the product was intended to be free from egg, contamination or mislabelling resulted in the presence of this undeclared allergen.
Aldi has advised that customers who have already purchased the affected product should not consume it. Instead, they are encouraged to return the items to any Aldi store for a full refund, regardless of whether the item has been opened. The supermarket chain also extended its apologies for the inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their cooperation.
Aldi’s Response and Customer Assurance
In response to the incident, Aldi has been proactive in addressing the recall. A point-of-sale notice has been distributed in stores, outlining the steps customers should take if they have purchased the product. Furthermore, Aldi has contacted relevant allergy support organisations to alert members to the issue.
The retailer also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety and quality control. “We apologise that this product did not meet our normal high standards and thank you for your co-operation,” Aldi said in a statement. While this recall has understandably raised concerns, the swift action taken by the company demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety and consumer protection.
Importantly, Aldi’s approach serves as a reminder of the responsibility retailers have to ensure that all allergenic ingredients are accurately listed on their products. With food allergies affecting an increasing number of people, especially in the UK, a failure to properly label allergens can have far-reaching consequences.
The incident underscores a larger issue within the food industry: the need for rigorous allergen labelling and transparency. The UK has stringent rules governing food safety and allergen labelling, yet mistakes like these still occur. For individuals with severe allergies, even a small slip-up can be dangerous, if not fatal.
This recall also coincides with the busy holiday season, when food items, often purchased in bulk, are served at family gatherings and events. With festive treats flying off supermarket shelves, it becomes even more important for consumers to remain vigilant, particularly those with food allergies.
