The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings to shoppers across the UK after several major retailers and a leading manufacturer recalled everyday grocery items. Supermarket giants Tesco and Lidl, alongside food producer Nestlé, have all pulled products from shelves this week due to separate safety concerns that could pose health risks.
Supermarket Recalls: Pâté and Allergen Alert
Tesco is recalling three varieties of its own-brand pâté because of incorrect use-by date labelling, which could lead to a microbiological hazard. The affected products are all in 170g packs with a use-by date of 5 January 2026. Customers are being told not to consume the following items and to return them to any Tesco store for a full refund:
- Tesco Coarse Farmhouse Pâté
- Tesco Coarse Ardennes Pâté
- Tesco Smooth Chicken Liver Pâté
In a separate incident, Lidl GB has recalled its Deluxe Red Cabbage with Apple, Dried Cranberry and Spices (480g). The product contains milk, but this allergen was not declared in bold on the packaging as required by law. This poses a significant risk to anyone with a milk allergy or intolerance. Lidl has apologised for the error and is asking customers to return the product for a refund.
Nestlé's Major Infant Formula Recall Over Toxin Fears
The most serious alert concerns a wide range of SMA infant and follow-on formula products manufactured by Nestlé. The company is voluntarily recalling specific batches due to the potential presence of a toxin called cereulide.
A Nestlé spokesperson stated: "The safety and well-being of babies is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure, Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches."
Cereulide is a heat-resistant toxin produced by certain bacteria. It is not destroyed by boiling water or the preparation of formula milk. If ingested, it can cause rapid onset of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Parents are specifically warned not to feed these batches to infants.
The recall affects numerous SMA product lines in various pack sizes, including SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti Reflux, SMA ALFAMINO, SMA First Infant Milk, SMA LITTLE STEPS, SMA Comfort, and SMA Lactose Free. The specific batch codes, which can be found on the base of tins or boxes, are extensive and listed in the original alert.
What Shoppers Must Do Now
The Food Standards Agency is urging all consumers to immediately check their cupboards, fridges, and food storage for any of the implicated products.
If you have purchased any of the recalled items, you must not eat or use them. For the Tesco pâtés and the Lidl red cabbage, take the products back to the store of purchase for a full refund. For the affected SMA formula batches, Nestlé advises customers to take a photo of the product and batch code and contact them via their website or careline on 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK).
These recalls underscore the critical importance of robust food safety controls and clear allergen labelling. Consumers are advised to stay vigilant and follow official FSA guidance to ensure their family's safety.
