This recall highlights the importance of vigilant consumer safety measures, particularly as food products that are widely used in cooking have been flagged. The products in question may present serious health risks to those who consume them unknowingly, making it crucial for shoppers to check their pantries and return affected items to stores for a full refund.
Contaminated Products and the Risk to Consumers
According to a statement from Dunnes Stores, Sage and Herbes de Provence, two herbs commonly used in festive and winter recipes, have been found to contain hazardous foreign materials. Sage, sold in 10g packs, and Herbes de Provence, sold in 14g packs, have been identified as containing pieces of blue plastic and large fragments of natural stalks and bark. These items may cause a choking risk, making them unsafe to consume.
The recall was first triggered on November 17, 2025, after Dunnes Stores’ supplier, GM Marketing, alerted the retailer to the potential contamination. The recall was extended the following day to include both the Sage and Herbes de Provence lines. Shoppers who purchased these products have been urged to return them immediately to any Dunnes Stores location, regardless of whether they have a receipt, for a full refund. Batch codes affected by the recall include:
- Sage (10g): L25279228, L25280228, L25307228, and L25308228, all with a best-before date of June 2027.
- Herbes de Provence (14g): L25315225, with a best-before date of September 2027.
Consumer Safety and Retailer Response
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have been involved in monitoring and responding to the issue. According to the FSA, the presence of foreign materials such as blue plastic and natural debris could pose serious health risks, particularly to young children, the elderly, and anyone with difficulty swallowing.
Both organisations have issued clear guidelines for consumers, advising them not to consume the affected products and to return them for a refund. Dunnes Stores has displayed prominent point-of-sale notices in stores, particularly in Northern Ireland, to inform customers about the recall and provide further instructions.
Dunnes Stores has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused, acknowledging that the recall was necessary to ensure the safety of its customers. The company also emphasised that this was a precautionary measure, ensuring that no further affected batches would remain on store shelves. Shoppers who are concerned about the recall can contact the store directly for more information.
This recall of Sage and Herbes de Provence is a significant reminder of the safety measures in place to protect shoppers, underscoring the importance of food safety practices in all stages of production and distribution. For consumers, staying aware of product recalls and returning affected items is the first line of defence in maintaining their health and safety.
