The supermarket giant Tesco is the latest retailer to recall a product after it was found to be potentially life-threatening for people with certain food allergies. A recall notice published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland revealed that a batch of Tesco Garlic Powder contains peanuts, which are not mentioned on the label.
This makes the affected batch “unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of peanuts.” According to the food recall alert, while consumers have been urged not to eat the implicated batch, the consequences are concerning for those who unknowingly consume it. Severe allergic reactions to peanuts include vomiting, hives, and difficulty breathing.
Tesco shoppers who are allergic to peanuts or sensitive to them are being urged to check their cupboards for this affected batch of garlic powder.
They should not eat the garlic powder and instead return them to their nearest Tesco store for a refund, even if they don’t have a receipt.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to peanuts?
According to Allergy UK, signs and symptoms usually occur within minutes of contact with peanuts but can also occur up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
Red raised, itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Swelling of the tongue and/or throat
Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
Change in voice (hoarse voice)
Wheeze (whistling noise) or persistent cough
Difficult or noisy breathing
Dizziness, collapse, loss of consciousness (due to a drop in blood pressure)
