Asda has recalled a batch of its own-brand fishcakes after concerns they may contain pieces of plastic or metal. The supermarket has issued a “do not eat” warning and advised customers to return the products for a full refund.
The recall affects specific date codes of Exceptional by Asda Beer Battered Cod Fishcakes. Food safety authorities say the action was taken as a precaution after a potential contamination risk was identified.
Affected Products and Official Safety Advice
The recall applies to 290g packs of Exceptional by Asda Beer Battered Cod Fishcakes with use-by dates from 1 May to 5 May 2026. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), these products may contain fragments of plastic or metal, which makes them unsafe to consume.
The FSA confirmed that Asda has removed the affected items from sale and issued recall notices in stores. These notices explain the reason for the recall and provide instructions to customers who may have already purchased the product. According to the agency, such measures are standard when a food item poses a potential safety risk.
Consumers are being told not to eat the fishcakes under any circumstances. Instead, they should return them to the nearest Asda store, where a full refund will be provided. The retailer has stated that customers do not need to present a receipt.
In a statement, Asda apologised for the disruption caused and reiterated that only the specified use-by dates are affected. According to the company, no other batches of the product are included in the recall. Customers seeking further information can contact Asda’s customer relations team directly.
How Recalls Work and Wider Safety Context
Food recalls are issued when a product is considered unsafe and may already be in consumers’ homes. According to the Food Standards Agency, this differs from a withdrawal, where items are removed from shelves before reaching customers.
The FSA publishes Product Recall Information Notices to inform both the public and local authorities about such risks. These notices outline the nature of the hazard and the actions required to protect consumers. In some cases, additional alerts may be issued to coordinate responses at a local level.
The agency emphasises that recalls are a precautionary measure designed to reduce potential harm. In this case, the presence of foreign objects such as plastic or metal represents a physical contamination risk, which can lead to injury if consumed.
For this recall, the scope remains clearly defined. Only fishcakes with the listed use-by dates are affected, and all other products are considered safe. The guidance from both Asda and the FSA remains consistent: customers who have purchased the specified items should return them promptly and avoid consumption.
While such recalls can cause inconvenience, they reflect established procedures within the UK’s food safety system. Authorities continue to monitor and communicate risks to ensure that consumers receive timely and accurate information.
