Peanut allergy sufferers told 'avoid these foods' amid contamination scare

People with a peanut allergy have been warned to avoid eating certain foods over fears they may have been contaminated.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said some foods containing mustard that are being sold in the UK may contain peanuts, which make them a "health risk" to anyone with an allergy.

The FSA is advising anyone who suffers from a peanut allergy to avoid food containing mustard while officials work to identify which specific products are affected. Mustard ingredients can be found in foods such as dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches.

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A list of specific products being recalled by retailers including Aldi, Spar and Domino's has been published on the FSA website. However, the FSA said it is taking "a precautionary approach" while it works with local authorities, individual businesses and the wider industry.

"The FSA is advising people who have a peanut allergy to avoid consuming foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour because they may have been contaminated with peanuts," the agency said in an urgent alert published to its website.

The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to a producer in India called GT Agro Industries, according to the FSA. It said one company has been identified as supplying these ingredients for use in UK food. The FSA added that there is no evidence to suggest other suppliers are affected at this stage.

FSA’s director of food policy, Rebecca Sudworth, said: “Those with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming products containing mustard as an ingredient until we identify the individual products affected.

“Parents and carers of children who have a peanut allergy should take care to check the labels of food they buy and, if eating out, or getting a takeaway, ask the restaurant or cafe about foods that might contain mustard.

“As soon as we have more information, we will update consumers. As always, we urge people with an allergy to sign up to our allergy alerts, so you can be notified about future allergy recalls.”

According to the FSA, if mustard is present in a food, it should be labelled in bold on the packet because it is an allergen itself. If there is a risk that mustard could be unintentionally present in food there will be a ‘may contain’ label for mustard.

In a product recall notice the FSA said FGS Ingredients Ltd has recalled "several" products containing mustard powder, which are sold under different brand names at different retail stores. "These products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts," the notice states.

Affected products include Carlos Takeaway Garlic and Herb Dip, which is sold at Aldi, Domino's Garlic and Herb Dip, Harvester BBQ Sauce and Spar sandwich fillers. Other items included in the recall are pasta salads, coleslaw and pre-made sandwiches.