Supermarket issues 'do not eat' warning for ready meal over deadly risk

Waitrose has recalled a popular ready meal due to a "health risk" caused by missing allergens on the label. Some of the 'Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2' do not mention sesame and soya on the label, because they were mispacked with spring rolls.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned "the product is a possible health risk" for anyone with allergies to sesame or soya. The specific product in question is the Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 (1,412g pack size) with a use by date of July 25, 2025. It advised: "If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to sesame and/or soya, do not eat it. Instead, return it to your local Waitrose and Partners branch for a full refund."

The FSA alert said: "The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers, which explains to customers why the product is being recalled and tells them what to do if they have bought the product.

"Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk. When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert."

Shoppers were advised to contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884, option 4, for more information. Waitrose and Partners has been advised to contact allergy support organisations, which will inform their members about the incident.

Sesame allergies can be fatal. In 2016, 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse collapsed and died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds not listed on a baguette from Pret a Manger.

Her death triggered the introduction of Natasha's Law in 2021, which requires all foods that are pre-packed for direct sale to have full ingredient lists and allergen information.