‘Do not eat’ warning issued as popular cooking sauce recalled by manufacturer

Item has been sold to convenience stores, wholesalers and cash and carrys

The item has been sold to convenience stores (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The food standards watchdog has issued a warning over a popular cooking sauce sold widely across the UK.

Premier Foods, one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers is recalling a batch of Sharwood’s Balti Cooking sauce, which it says has been sold to wholesalers, cash and carrys, and convenience stores.

The product is being taken from shelves because it contains milk which is not mentioned on the label.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an “allergy alert” notice, in which it warns that the product is a potential health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk, urging any of these individuals who have bought the affected items: “Do not eat it.”

“Instead, retain the packaging and contact 0800 085 3959 or complete the webform at www.sharwoods.com for a full refund,” the FSA said.

The only products affected are those sold in 420g jars with a recommended retail price of £2.99 and an expiry date of 31 January 2025, according to the watchdog.

Premier Foods said it takes “food safety extremely seriously” and is working closely with the FSA, having also updated Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to assure customers of our continued commitment to the highest standards of product quality and food safety,” the manufacturer said.

Certain Sharwood’s Balti Cooking Sauce products have been recalled (Sharwood’s)

It added: “This product has only been sold to wholesalers, cash and carrys and convenience stores in the UK. Major retailers are not affected. No other Sharwood’s products or size variants are impacted.”