Tesco has launched an urgent product recall for one of its popular rice dishes after discovering an undeclared ingredient that could pose serious health risks to customers with specific allergies.
Supermarket Warns of Potential Health Danger
The supermarket giant announced it is recalling its "Special Fried Rice" product, warning that it contains wheat which is not listed on the packaging. This omission creates a significant health hazard for anyone with wheat or gluten allergies, as well as those suffering from coeliac disease.
Specific Product Details
The affected product is the 350g pack of Tesco Special Fried Rice with a use-by date of 2 February 2026. Food safety officials have confirmed that wheat (gluten) is the undeclared allergen involved in this recall.
The Food Standards Agency issued a clear warning: "This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or coeliac disease."
Understanding the Health Risks
Wheat ranks among the most common food allergens and can trigger a range of symptoms in sensitive individuals. These may include:
- Hives and skin swelling
- Abdominal pain and digestive discomfort
- Breathing difficulties in severe cases
For those with coeliac disease, the situation is particularly serious. Their immune system attacks their own tissues when they consume even trace amounts of gluten, the protein found in wheat. This can lead to:
- Digestive issues and discomfort
- Extreme fatigue and energy depletion
- Potential long-term health complications if exposure continues
Customer Guidance and Refund Process
Shoppers who have purchased the affected product are strongly advised not to consume it if they have any wheat or gluten sensitivity. Instead, they should return the item to any Tesco store where they will receive a full refund without needing to provide a receipt.
Tesco has taken comprehensive steps to communicate this recall effectively. The supermarket has:
- Contacted relevant allergy support organisations to inform their members
- Issued detailed recall notices to customers explaining the situation
- Provided clear instructions about what affected customers should do
The official recall notice states: "We are recalling the use by date code 02 February 2026 of Tesco Special Fried Rice 350g, due to wheat not being declared as an ingredient on the product packaging. This may therefore pose a health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat."
This incident highlights the critical importance of accurate food labelling and the serious consequences that can arise when allergen information is incomplete or incorrect on product packaging.
