Urgent 'do not eat' warning issued for nut butter due to dangerous label mistake

16 February 2024 , 14:09

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The Biona's organic cashew nut butter has been recalled (Image: Getty Images)

An urgent product recall notice has been issued for a nut butter as it could cause dangerous allergic reactions.

Jars of Biona's organic cashew nut butter have been recalled because they have been mislabelled and contain other nuts not mentioned in the ingredients list. The cashew butter, sold at Ocado - Whole Foods, and Holland & Barrett - should only contain cashew nuts. However, the brand's mixed nut butter - made from hazelnuts, almonds and peanuts - has been packaged instead.

If someone had an allergy to one of these nuts and ate the product there could be serious consequences. Nut allergy symptoms include skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling, digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, along with tightening of the throat, and shortness of breath. In some cases, nut allergies can cause anaphylaxis which can kill if not treated urgently.

The affected batches have the lot code: E233189 and the use-by date December 31, 2026 and Biona has confirmed that no other batches of the product are affected. Point of sale notice which explains to customers why the product is being recalled have also been issued in stores where the product is sold.

People who have an allergy to the nuts mentioned have been urged not to eat the product. If you have bought it and you cannot eat it then you should return it to their local retailer for a full refund and you will not need a receipt. If you need further information on the recall, then you contact Biona over the phone at 01472 350197 or through email at: [email protected].

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If you have bought the Biona Cashew Nut Butter affected then you should return it for a full refund (food.gov)

What are recall notices?

Products can be recalled for a range of different reasons including safety – if a product displays risks for the customer – or quality – when the product isn't working as it should be. The Food Standards Agency is in charge of issuing alerts when there is a problem with a food product. The product can either be "withdrawn" which is where is it taken off the shelves or "recalled" which is when customers are asked to return it.

Food products need to be recalled if they are found to have been contaminated with pathogens that could cause food poisoning, or if plastic or metal has been found in the product due to manufacturing faults. Food items also need to be recalled if any allergen information is missing or incorrect.

Ruby Flanagan