Bialetti Coffee Recall: TK Maxx Warns Shoppers About Contaminated Coffee
TK Maxx has recalled certain Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello coffee packs over elevated ochratoxin A levels. Check the affected batch code and refund advice.
Bialetti Coffee Recall: What UK Shoppers Need to Know
Coffee drinkers across the UK are being urged to check their cupboards following a product recall involving Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello ground coffee sold at TK Maxx stores.
The recall concerns specific batches of the caramel-flavoured coffee that may contain elevated levels of ochratoxin A, a toxin produced naturally by certain types of mould. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are advised not to drink it and to return it to the retailer.
According to a report published by The Sun on 28 October 2026, the recall applies to a particular 250g pack with a specified batch code and best-before date.
Although the warning has raised concerns among coffee drinkers, the reported food safety advice makes an important distinction: consuming the affected product is not considered an immediate health risk, but repeated exposure over a prolonged period may pose a potential health concern.
Here is everything shoppers should know about the affected coffee, the possible risks and the steps to take if they have purchased it.
Which Bialetti Coffee Product Has Been Recalled?
The recall affects Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello ground coffee, a caramel-flavoured coffee product sold in 250g packs.
TK Maxx issued the recall after concerns that certain batches could contain ochratoxin A above the permitted limit.
Consumers should check the packaging carefully rather than assuming that every product from the brand is affected.
The identifying details reported for the recalled product are:
- Brand: Bialetti
- Product name: Perfetto Moka Caramello
- Product type: Caramel-flavoured ground coffee
- Pack size: 250g
- Affected batch code: LC5 BD149T
- Best-before date: 29 May 2027
- Retailer: TK Maxx
- Reported sales period: July to November 2025
These details are particularly important because the recall relates to a specific batch.
If you have purchased this coffee, compare the batch code and best-before date printed on your packaging with the information above. If the details match, do not consume the product.
If the packaging is missing or you are uncertain whether your coffee belongs to the affected batch, contact TK Maxx for clarification.
Why Has the Coffee Been Recalled?
The product has been recalled because of concerns about ochratoxin A levels.
Ochratoxin A is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by certain moulds. Mycotoxins are substances that can develop in some agricultural products when conditions allow particular fungi to grow.
Coffee beans, like other agricultural commodities, can be vulnerable to fungal contamination at different stages of production, storage and handling.
Food safety limits are established to help control exposure to potentially harmful substances in food. When a product is found to exceed an applicable limit, a recall may be necessary to reduce the risk to consumers.
In this case, the reported concern is that certain batches of Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello contain ochratoxin A above the permitted level.
The recall is a precautionary food safety measure intended to prevent further consumption of the affected product.
It is important to note that the presence of a mould-related toxin does not necessarily mean that visible mould will appear on the coffee. Consumers should therefore rely on product identification details and official recall advice rather than appearance alone.
What Is Ochratoxin A, and Why Is It a Concern?
Ochratoxin A is a toxin produced by certain species of fungi. It has been identified as a food safety concern because prolonged exposure can potentially affect human health.
The toxin may occur in a range of agricultural products, depending on growing, processing and storage conditions. Coffee is among the foods that can be subject to monitoring for mycotoxins.
The main concern highlighted in the reported recall is long-term exposure rather than an immediate reaction after consuming the affected product.
According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which issued an alert concerning the batch, consuming the affected coffee does not pose an immediate health risk. However, continuous consumption over an extended period may present a potential risk.
This distinction is important for consumers.
A recall warning should be taken seriously, but it should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that everyone who has consumed the product will become ill.
Anyone concerned about their personal exposure or health should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
What Should You Do If You Have Bought the Recalled Coffee?
Consumers who have purchased the affected Bialetti coffee should follow the recall instructions and avoid drinking it.
Here are the recommended steps:
1. Check the packaging
Look for the product name, 250g pack size, batch code LC5 BD149T and best-before date of 29 May 2027.
2. Stop using the product
If your coffee matches the affected batch details, do not prepare or consume it. Do not rely on its smell, colour or appearance to determine whether it is safe.
3. Return it to the retailer
According to the published report, TK Maxx has advised customers to return the affected product to any TK Maxx or Homesense store.
4. Request a refund or replacement
The retailer's reported recall notice states that customers can receive a full refund or replacement. Contact the store if you need confirmation of the process or have questions about returning an opened pack.
5. Check official food safety updates
Consumers can consult the relevant retailer and food safety authority notices for the latest information, particularly if they are unsure whether their product is included in the recall.
Taking these precautions can help prevent further exposure while allowing the retailer to manage the affected products appropriately.
When Was the Recalled Coffee Sold?
The affected coffee was reportedly sold at TK Maxx stores between July and November 2025.
Because the reported sales period covers several months, shoppers who purchased speciality coffee during that time may wish to check any remaining stock at home.
However, the sales period alone does not establish whether an individual pack is affected. The batch code and best-before date remain the key identifying details provided in the recall report.
Consumers should also remember that a product recall does not necessarily apply to every batch made by the same manufacturer.
Checking the exact product information is therefore essential before drawing conclusions about other Bialetti coffee products.
What Has Bialetti Said About the Recall?
According to The Sun, a spokesperson for Bialetti advised customers who possess a package from the affected batch not to consume it and to return it to the point of purchase.
This advice is consistent with the precautionary approach recommended in food recalls: consumers should stop using products identified as potentially unsafe and follow the instructions provided by the retailer or relevant authority.
Customers who have questions about the affected batch should contact the retailer or consult the official recall notice for further guidance.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Coffee Before Brewing
The Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello recall is an important reminder for UK consumers to pay attention to food safety announcements and check product details when a recall is issued.
The reported concern involves elevated levels of ochratoxin A in a specific batch of 250g caramel-flavoured ground coffee sold at TK Maxx.
Consumers who find the matching batch code and best-before date on their packaging should stop using the product and return it according to the retailer's instructions.
Although the reported assessment does not indicate an immediate health risk from consuming the affected coffee, the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure mean the recall should not be ignored.
Checking your cupboard, verifying the batch details and following official guidance are practical steps that can help protect you and your household.
Stay informed, check recall notices carefully and always follow advice from recognised food safety authorities when a product is identified as potentially unsafe.
Sources
- The Sun, Published 28 October 2026.
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI): Food safety alerts and product recall information.
- TK Maxx UK: Retailer information and customer support.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the supplied news report. Product identification details, recall instructions and health-related statements should be checked against the latest official notices from the retailer and relevant food safety authorities. This article does not provide medical advice. Anyone concerned about possible exposure to ochratoxin A should consult a qualified healthcare professional. The inclusion of a brand or retailer does not imply that products outside the identified batch are affected.