The Food Standards Agency (FSA), in collaboration with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has issued an urgent allergy warning for individuals with peanut allergies, advising them to avoid eating any foods containing mustard, mustard seeds, mustard powder, or mustard flour. This advisory comes amid an ongoing investigation into the contamination of mustard ingredients with peanuts.
The FSA and FSS are leading an investigation after reports of contaminated mustard ingredients were traced back to three suppliers in India. These suppliers have distributed the affected mustard products to three UK spice companies, including FGS Ingredients Ltd, which have further supplied a range of manufacturers, hospitality providers, and retailers. Businesses using these products have been asked to immediately verify if their products are affected and to inform any customers as needed.
Since the publication of urgent allergy advice on September 20, the FSA has reported 66 product recalls from UK businesses as of September 27. Contamination with peanuts has been identified across multiple products, and further recalls are expected in the coming days. The FSA will continue to provide updates to consumers via allergy alerts on their website.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, stated, “This investigation is complex, and the FSA and FSS are working with relevant businesses, local authorities, and agencies to put all necessary measures in place to protect consumers.
Sudworth also emphasised that individuals with peanut allergies should remain vigilant and avoid all mustard-containing products until the contaminated batches have been fully identified and removed from circulation. She urged parents and carers to carefully check food labels and ask about ingredients when eating out or ordering takeaways.
The FSA has acknowledged that this advisory may limit food choices for people with peanut allergies but stressed that consumer safety remains the top priority. Businesses are required to swiftly carry out necessary checks and ensure any products that could be affected are recalled and reported.
The FSA has encouraged those affected to report any allergic reactions that may be linked to contaminated products both to the food business that supplied the item and to the local authority where it was purchased. Guidance on how to report such incidents to a local authority is available on the FSA website.
Investigations are continuing in both the UK and India to identify the root cause of the contamination, with cooperation from trade associations and affected businesses. The FSA has urged individuals with allergies to sign up for their allergy alerts to stay informed on future recalls and developments.
Consumers are advised to monitor the FSA website for updates and avoid mustard-related products until the investigation is concluded to ensure their safety.
