Plant-based food brand THISTM has initiated a precautionary recall of one of its popular deli products following a significant mislabelling error at its factory. The recall specifically targets the THISTM Isn't Chicken Deli Piece, which has been found to contain undeclared allergens, presenting a potential health hazard for consumers with specific dietary sensitivities.
Details of the Recall and Health Risks
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a formal warning regarding this product, highlighting that it contains soya and wheat (gluten) that are not listed on the packaging. This omission is due to a mislabelling issue during production, where incorrect base labels intended for THISTM Isn't Cocktail Sausages were used on the deli pieces. As a result, individuals with allergies to soya or gluten, or those with coeliac disease, could face serious health risks if they consume the product.
In its official risk statement, the FSA emphasised: "This product contains undeclared soya and wheat (gluten) making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease." The brand has echoed this concern, urging customers to check their purchases carefully.
Affected Batches and Consumer Actions
The recall applies to 120g packs of THISTM Isn't Chicken Deli Piece with specific use-by dates. Consumers should inspect the front of the packaging for the grey "Use by" box to identify if their product is affected. The impacted dates include:
- January 29, January 30, January 31
- February 2, February 3, February 4, February 5, February 6
- February 12, and February 13
THISTM has advised anyone who has purchased these batches to immediately stop consuming the product, especially those with known sensitivities to soya or gluten. Customers are encouraged to return the affected items to their point of purchase for a full refund. The company has stated that customer safety is its top priority and is taking this step as a precautionary measure.
Background and Company Response
The mislabelling issue was discovered during routine quality checks, prompting THISTM to act swiftly in collaboration with the FSA. The company explained that the error occurred when a batch of the deli pieces was incorrectly packed with labels meant for their cocktail sausages, which do not contain the same allergens. This has led to the undeclared presence of wheat (gluten) and soya in the deli product.
For further information, consumers can visit the THISTM website to access the correct ingredient list for the Isn't Chicken Deli Piece or contact the company directly at shout@this.co.uk. The recall underscores the importance of accurate labelling in the food industry, particularly for plant-based products that cater to diverse dietary needs.
