Tesco has removed its Free From Toffee and Vanilla Cones from shelves while Asda has recalled its Frozen Vegan Mushroom and Leek Pie, after it emerged the products might contain milk.
The Big 4 grocers apologised and advised customers to return their purchase for a full refund.
Both products pose a risk to anyone with a milk allergy, the symptoms of which can range from rashes and stomach aches, to vomiting and difficulty breathing.
Asda was publicly upbraided by one vegan customer, who tweeted that she had “trusted” the supermarket and felt “physically sick”.
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“Items made in factories that also use dairy have to outline on their packaging that there may be traces of milk in them,” a member of the Asda customer service team responded.
“This is only for people with intolerances/allergies as it could cause allergic reactions.
“It doesn’t mean milk was used when making the product.”
Fuming @AsdaServiceTeam 😡 A refund doesn’t cut it! I ate your so called “Extra Special” #Vegan Mushroom & Leek Pie. I live a #plantbased life for a reason & trusted your products. Feel physically sick just thinking what you’ve done! I hope @CTSI_UK & @foodgov are aware of this!? pic.twitter.com/Q80qZKGLAR
— (✿◕‿◕) (@lesleyarenshaw) May 14, 2021
Tesco’s withdrawal of its “Free From” ice cream, so called because it is meant to be free of milk, wheat, gluten and egg, has also prompted an outcry on social media.
“I’m anaphylactic to dairy and I eat these occasionally,” tweeted one shopper.
“These mistakes are happening way too often and are deadly! Death by ice cream cone negligence is not how I want my life to end.”
Tesco’s recall only applies to ice cream with a best before date of 07/2022, whereas all batches of Asda’s leek and mushroom pie have been withdrawn.
The news coincides with Marks and Spencer’s recall of its Stuffed Medjool Date Selection, which may be contaminated with Hepatitis A.
Sainsbury’s stopped selling its Taste the Difference Medjool Dates for the same reason last month.
