UK: urgent recall of popular sandwich topper due to contamination risk

A popular UK sandwich topping has been withdrawn from shelves over fears of potential contamination. According to food safety watchdogs, Baxter’s Slice Gherkins Crunchy & Sweet could contain undeclared mustard that could pose a danger to people allergic to the spice. A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system wrongly identifies a certain food as a threat. This provokes the release of chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Mustard allergy sufferers experience harsh symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting if they accidentally eat a product containing it. They also risk developing an extremely dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis – a swelling in the throat that obstructs their breathing. Baxter’s Food Group, the manufacturer of the product, said the recall only affects certain jars with specific best-before dates, including June and July 2026. The company also invited customers who have bought the affected product to dispose of it and contact the customer care team for a replacement. The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which issued the allergy alert, said that Baxter’s Food Group should contact the relevant food allergy support organisations, which will inform their members about the recall.