Shoppers across the UK are being urged to check their cupboards for a specific festive product, following an urgent food safety recall issued by Tesco just days before Christmas. The supermarket giant has pulled its 'Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes' from shelves due to a potentially dangerous labelling error.
What is the reason for the recall?
The recall was initiated after it was discovered the cupcakes may contain milk, an allergen which is not declared on the product label. This poses a significant health risk to individuals with a milk allergy or intolerance. The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the official alert, stated the product is "a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents."
The affected product is the Tesco Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes in a 220g pack. Importantly, all batches with a best before date up to and including 17 January 2026 are included in this recall. This broad date range means a significant number of products could be in circulation.
What should customers do immediately?
The advice from both Tesco and the FSA is clear and direct. If you have bought this product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk, you must not consume it. The warning is emphatic: 'do not eat'.
Instead, customers are instructed to return the cupcakes to any Tesco store, where they will receive a full refund. No receipt is necessary to process the return, making it as easy as possible for concerned shoppers to act. For further information, Tesco has directed customers to contact their customer services team via their website.
Supermarket and regulatory response
Tesco has confirmed it is actively recalling the product from customers and has issued point-of-sale notices in its stores to explain the situation. The company has also been advised to contact relevant allergy support organisations to ensure their members are made aware of the potential danger.
The FSA's role in coordinating the recall is standard procedure for such food safety incidents. Their public alert, published on their website, ensures the warning reaches beyond just Tesco's direct customer base, safeguarding public health. This pre-Christmas recall highlights the critical importance of accurate food labelling, especially for products marketed as 'Free From' which are specifically sought out by those with dietary restrictions.
Consumers with any concerns are strongly encouraged to heed the official advice and return the product without delay.
