Ireland: food safety alert for popular crisps

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued an alert over popular crisps that could pose a health risk for part of the public. The alert relates to all batches of Ruffles Sabor a Jamon 150g crisps because they contain undeclared allergens soya and milk. It could be dangerous for people with allergies or intolerant of soybeans and milk. According to the Food Safety Authority, the ingredients of the crisps are not labelled in English, making them unsafe for consumers with allergies or food intolerances. These consumers are advised to return the product to the store where they bought it for a full refund. They should not eat the crisps.
Soya and milk are among the 14 priority food allergens that must be declared for all foods and drinks sold and produced in the EU. They can trigger severe symptoms in allergic people because the immune system mistakenly takes them for harmful substances. These symptoms include vomiting, shortness of breath, repetitive cough, swelling of the tongue and lips, wheezing, and abdominal pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, even a small amount of soy can cause an anaphylactic reaction that can be life-threatening for affected people.