A popular jarred olive product has been urgently recalled from UK supermarkets after it was found to pose a potential health risk. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an allergy alert, advising consumers that certain jars of Cottage Delight Garlic Stuffed Gordal Olives may contain almonds that are not mentioned on the label.
The recall has triggered concerns among allergy support groups and food safety advocates, as the undeclared presence of nuts could cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. According to the FSA, the issue stems from possible cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
Mislabelled Product Identified as Potential Allergen Threat
According to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, Cottage Delight is recalling its 280g jars of Garlic Stuffed Gordal Olives with a best-before date of December 2028, after it was discovered that the product may contain almonds. These nuts are not declared on the label, making it a “possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to almonds (nuts),” the agency confirmed.
The company has responded by removing the product from sale and contacting allergy support organisations to notify them of the recall. In addition, a point-of-sale notice has been issued in supermarkets to explain the situation to customers. This notice instructs consumers who have purchased the product and have an almond allergy not to consume it, and instead return it for a full refund.
The presence of undeclared allergens in food products remains a significant concern for regulatory authorities. In this case, the company stated the issue was due to “potential cross contamination with almonds which are not mentioned on the label,” according to a customer notice shared by the FSA. Customers are encouraged to check the best-before date printed on the lid and contact the company via email if further information is needed.
Consumer Safety Measures and Company Response
The recall comes as part of a broader regulatory framework designed to protect consumers from unintended allergen exposure. According to the FSA, when there is a risk to consumers due to incorrect or missing allergy information, a product may be either withdrawn from shelves or recalled from customers. In this instance, the latter has been applied, with the company requesting that affected items be returned even without a receipt.
A spokesperson for the FSA reiterated that allergy alerts are issued only when necessary and aim to prevent harm. They stated, “Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold,” and added that recalls are initiated when there is a food allergy risk due to labelling errors or contamination.
While no injuries or reactions have been reported in connection with this product at the time of publication, the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent labelling practices in the food industry. The company’s notice advises customers to retain a copy of the alert for reference and act accordingly if they have purchased the affected olives. Customers seeking further assistance have been directed to contact Cottage Delight via the dedicated email address provided in the alert.
