Health Risk Alert for Chocolate Bars Sold at Home Bargains Raises Concern
A health risk alert has been issued for several chocolate bars sold at Home Bargains, raising significant concerns for allergy sufferers. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) reported that allergen information is not adequately displayed in English on these products. The involved retailer, TJ Morris, is initiating a recall on specific chocolate bars due to these labeling issues.
Products Affected by Health Risk Alert
Three varieties of Milka chocolate bars are being recalled:
- Milka Hazelnut – 90g pack, all best before dates
- Milka Whole Nut – 95g pack, all best before dates
- Milka Oreo Brownie – 100g pack, all best before dates
Health Risks for Consumers
The FSA warns that these chocolate bars pose a possible health risk for individuals with allergies or intolerances to:
- Milk or milk constituents
- Hazelnuts (nuts)
- Soya
- Wheat or gluten
Consumers with coeliac disease are also at risk. The lack of clear allergen labeling means that those affected may unintentionally consume these allergens.
Recall Procedure
TJ Morris is urging customers who purchased these chocolate bars not to consume them. Instead, they should:
- Return the products to the store for a full refund
- Contact the customer careline at [email protected] for further assistance
The FSA has advised that relevant allergy support organizations will inform their members about this recall. Customers may see point-of-sale notices in stores explaining the recall and guiding them on returning the items.
Understanding Allergy Alerts
The FSA defines withdrawal and recall actions as part of managing food safety. Withdrawal refers to removing items from shelves, while a recall means asking customers to return products due to health risks. These alerts are vital for protecting consumers from potential food allergy hazards.