Lidl Issues Urgent 'Do Not Eat' Warning for Chicken Burgers Over Allergy Concerns
Budget supermarket chain Lidl has issued an urgent product recall and public health warning for one of its popular burger lines, advising customers with specific allergies not to consume the affected items. The retailer has apologised to shoppers and is offering full refunds as a precautionary measure.
Specific Product Recall Details
Lidl is recalling its Red Hen Gastro 2 Southern Fried Chicken Thigh Burgers (330g packs) due to a significant labelling error. The product contains celery, but this allergen is not declared in bold within the ingredients list on the packaging, as required by food safety regulations.
The supermarket stated clearly: "This may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to celery." For customers who have purchased this product and have a celery allergy, Lidl's direct advice is: "We advise you not to eat it."
What Customers Should Do
Lidl has implemented a straightforward return and refund process for affected customers:
- Return the product to your nearest Lidl store
- You will receive a full refund without needing the original receipt
- Point of sale notices explaining the recall are displayed in all relevant stores
The company has apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their cooperation in this matter. The recall applies specifically to England, Scotland, and Wales, affecting all batches regardless of best before date.
Official Food Standards Agency Notice
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published an official recall notice supporting Lidl's action. The FSA confirmed: "Lidl GB is recalling the above product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."
The agency reinforced the health warning, stating: "If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to celery, do not eat it."
Contact Information for Concerned Customers
Customers requiring further information or clarification about this recall can contact Lidl directly through the following channels:
- Email: customer.care@lidl.co.uk
- Telephone: 0203 966 5566
This incident highlights the importance of accurate food labelling, particularly for the estimated 2 million people in the UK who have food allergies. Celery allergy can cause reactions ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
