Tesco has issued a recall notice for its own brand Free From Breadcrumbs because they contain wheat which is not mentioned on the label. The error means the product could pose a “possible health risk” to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, or with coeliac disease, the supermarket chain said.
Around one in 100 people in the UK are thought to suffer from coeliac disease, where the immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency said: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, or coeliac disease do not eat it.
“Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is required.”
The recall applies to 170g packs with all date and batch codes.
A notice from Tesco added: “No other Tesco products are affected. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Symptoms of gluten intolerance include digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Coeliac disease can also cause tiredness, unintentional weight loss, an itchy rash and infertility.
Gluten is commonly found in foods such as pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals, most types of bread and some ready meals.
The condition causes damage to the surface of the small intestines, disrupting the body’s ability to take in nutrients from food.
It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.