A NUT butter sold in supermarkets is being recalled over fears it could trigger life-threatening reactions.
Jars of Biona’s organic cashew nut butter have been mislabeled and contain other nuts not mentioned in the ingredients list.
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Some pots labelled as cashew butter are, in fact, Biona’s mixed nut butter, which also contains hazelnuts, almonds, and peanuts – nuts some people are allergic to.
It means the breakfast spread – sold in Whole Foods, Ocado and Holland and Barrett – could prove fatal to anyone allergic to these nuts, the Food Standard Agency (FSA) has warned.
The affected batches have the lot code: E233189 and the following use-by-date: December 12, 2016.
Biona’s has issued a point-of-sale notice which explains to customers why the product is being recalled.
It reads: “This produce should not be consumed by peanut, hazelnut or almond allergy sufferers.
“Any customers who have bought the product should return it to their retailer for a full refund,” Biona said in a notice to customers.
They added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers.”
For further information, contact Biona on 01472 350197 and [email protected].
What is a nut allergy?
About one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK have a nut allergy.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to nuts can vary but include hives, itching in or around the mouth and throat and diarrhoea.
Allergies can cause potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, which happens when by the body’s immune system overreacts.
Warning signs can come on within minutes and can include feeling lightheaded or faint, difficulty breathing, blue skin, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.
The number of UK hospital admissions for anaphylaxis increased more than six-fold in the two decades up to 2012, Allergy UK has previously warned.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
999 should also be rung immediately.
What to do if someone is suffering an allergic reaction
Call 999 if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
If you or someone you’re with has a serious allergic reaction and an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), you should use it immediately.
Instructions are included on the side of the injector.
Call 999 for an ambulance after using the injector, even if you or the person you’re with seems to be feeling better.
Source: NHS