Marks & Spencer has recalled a batch of its Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla after it was found to potentially contain gluten not listed on the label. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an allergy alert, warning consumers not to eat the product if they are affected.
The recall applies to 500g packs with a use-by date of 12 May 2026. Customers with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or allergies have been advised to return the item for a full refund, as the undeclared allergen poses a potential health risk.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns around food labelling accuracy and allergen disclosure, particularly for conditions that can have serious or long-term health consequences. According to the FSA, such alerts are issued when products may present a risk due to missing or incorrect allergen information.
Product Recall Details and Consumer Guidance
The product affected is Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla, sold in 500g containers with a use-by date of 12 May 2026. According to the FSA, the yoghurt may contain gluten despite no mention of the allergen on its packaging, creating a risk for certain consumers.
Marks & Spencer has initiated a full recall and is contacting relevant allergy support organisations to help spread awareness. In-store notices and online updates are also being issued to inform customers of the issue and provide guidance on what to do if they have purchased the product.
Consumers who have bought the yoghurt and are sensitive to gluten are advised not to eat it. Instead, they should return it to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund. According to the FSA, customers can also contact Marks & Spencer directly for further information via its customer service line.
The agency explains that food products may be withdrawn or recalled when there is a risk to consumers, particularly in cases where allergen labelling is missing or incorrect. In such instances, official alerts are issued to ensure public awareness and safety.
Health Risks Linked to Gluten Exposure
The undeclared presence of gluten is of particular concern for individuals with coeliac disease, a condition affecting around 1 in 100 people in the UK. According to Coeliac UK, this autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the gut lining when gluten is consumed, leading to potential long-term health complications.
Despite its prevalence, only about 36% of those with coeliac disease are formally diagnosed. This suggests that a significant number of individuals may unknowingly be at risk when consuming products with hidden gluten.
There are also individuals with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, who experience symptoms after consuming gluten despite testing negative for coeliac disease or wheat allergy. Estimates vary, though some UK studies suggest that up to 13% of the population report symptoms linked to gluten consumption.
A separate but related condition is wheat allergy, which involves an immune response to proteins found in wheat. According to available data, this affects between 0.1% and 1% of adults and can lead to immediate reactions such as swelling or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate allergen labelling and the potential consequences when such information is incomplete or incorrect.
