Tesco and Waitrose Food Recalls: Allergy and Gluten Warning for Shoppers
Tesco and Waitrose have recalled selected food products over undeclared allergens. Find out which products are affected, who may be at risk and what customers should do.
Food shoppers across the UK are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers after Tesco and Waitrose issued recalls for selected products due to concerns about undeclared allergens.
The recalls involve a Tesco Finest coleslaw product and a Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble. In both cases, the concern relates to incorrect labelling and ingredients that were not declared on the packaging.
For most customers, the affected products may not pose a serious concern. However, for people with specific allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease, consuming an undeclared allergen can create a potentially serious health risk.
The Food Standards Agency, commonly known as the FSA, has issued product recall information advising affected customers not to consume the relevant items and to return them to the retailer for a refund.
Tesco Recalls Finest Coleslaw Over Undeclared Mustard
Tesco has recalled a specific batch of Tesco Finest Caesar & Smoked Bacon Coleslaw after it was discovered that some packs may contain a different product.
According to the recall information, some packs labelled as Caesar & Smoked Bacon Coleslaw may instead contain Tesco Finest Four Cheese Potato Salad.
The issue is significant because the potato salad contains mustard, an allergen that is not declared on the coleslaw packaging.
As a result, anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to mustard could be at risk if they consume the affected product without knowing what it contains.
The recall applies to:
- Product: Tesco Finest Caesar & Smoked Bacon Coleslaw
- Pack size: 270g
- Use-by date: 4 September 2026
- Main concern: Possible presence of mustard not listed on the label
Tesco has advised customers with a mustard allergy not to eat the affected product. Instead, shoppers can return it to a Tesco store for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
The supermarket has stated that other Tesco products are not included in this particular recall.
Why Undeclared Mustard Can Be Dangerous
Food allergies can vary significantly in severity. Some people may experience relatively mild symptoms, while others can develop a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms associated with a mustard allergy can include skin irritation, digestive discomfort and other allergic reactions. In more serious cases, exposure to an allergen can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that requires urgent medical attention.
This is why accurate food labelling is particularly important for consumers who rely on ingredient lists to manage allergies.
Anyone who believes they may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction should seek urgent medical help.
Waitrose Recalls Rhubarb Crumble Due to Undeclared Gluten
Waitrose & Partners has also issued a recall involving one of its dessert products.
The affected item is Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble, which has been recalled because it contains oats and gluten that were not declared on the product label.
This may present a risk to people with an allergy or intolerance to oats or gluten, as well as those living with coeliac disease.
The recall details include:
- Product: Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble
- Pack size: 500g
- Affected use-by date: 19 August 2026
- Additional information: Customers may have frozen the product using the home freezing instructions and should check products stored in their freezer
- Main concern: Undeclared oats and gluten
Customers who are affected by an oat or gluten allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease are advised not to eat the product.
Instead, the item can be returned to a Waitrose store for a refund.
The recall applies only to the specified product and batch information. Other Waitrose products are not affected by this particular notice.
Why Gluten Labelling Matters for People With Coeliac Disease
For people with coeliac disease, consuming gluten can trigger an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue.
People with gluten intolerance or sensitivity may also experience unpleasant symptoms after consuming products containing gluten.
Because of these risks, clear allergen information is essential. Many shoppers carefully check product packaging before eating, particularly when managing medically diagnosed allergies or dietary conditions.
An incorrectly labelled product can therefore create a risk when consumers believe a food is free from a particular ingredient that is actually present.
What Should You Do If You Bought One of the Recalled Products?
If you have recently purchased either of the affected supermarket products, the first step is to check the packaging carefully.
Look at the product name, pack size and relevant date information to determine whether your item is included in the recall.
If you or someone in your household has the relevant allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease, do not eat the affected product.
You should instead:
- Check whether the product matches the recall details.
- Avoid consuming it if you are affected by the undeclared allergen.
- Return the product to the relevant supermarket.
- Request a refund in line with the retailer's recall instructions.
- Check frozen food storage if the product was suitable for home freezing.
Consumers who have already eaten a product and are concerned about an allergic reaction should seek appropriate medical advice.
If symptoms are severe or suggest a serious allergic reaction, urgent medical assistance may be required.
How Food Recalls Protect Consumers
Food recalls are an important part of consumer safety in the UK.
A recall may be issued when a food product contains an undeclared allergen, incorrect ingredients, contamination or another issue that could make it unsafe for certain consumers.
Retailers, manufacturers and food safety authorities use recalls to quickly alert customers and remove potentially affected products from circulation.
Shoppers should pay particular attention to recall notices if they or someone in their family has:
- A diagnosed food allergy
- A food intolerance
- Coeliac disease
- A medically advised restricted diet
It is also worth checking product recall information regularly, particularly when purchasing ready-made meals, chilled foods, desserts and other packaged products.
The Importance of Checking Food Labels
Although food manufacturers and retailers have systems designed to ensure accurate labelling, mistakes can occasionally occur.
This makes it important for consumers with allergies and dietary restrictions to check food packaging carefully and remain aware of official product recalls.
A product recall does not necessarily mean that every consumer will be affected. The level of risk depends on the ingredients involved and the individual's medical condition.
However, for people with a serious allergy, even an incorrectly labelled food product can have significant consequences.
Tesco and Waitrose have both provided refund options for customers who have purchased the affected products.
The key message for shoppers is simple: check your fridge and freezer, compare any relevant products with the official recall information and do not consume an affected item if you have the allergy, intolerance or medical condition identified in the warning.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information and news purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Product recall information, availability and guidance may change. Consumers should always check the latest official recall notices and contact the relevant retailer or manufacturer for the most up-to-date information. If you have concerns about an allergic reaction or your health, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services.