Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Tesco and Waitrose have issued urgent “Do Not Eat” warnings and product recalls across the UK due to severe undeclared allergen risks caused by packaging and manufacturing mix-ups. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that these items could pose a significant health risk to individuals with specific allergies, intolerances, or coeliac disease.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings.
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Tesco Product Recall
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Affected Product: Tesco Finest Caesar & Smoked Bacon Coleslaw (270g packs).
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The Issue: A packaging mix-up occurred where the containers mistakenly contain Tesco Finest Four Cheese Potato Salad instead. As a result, the product contains mustard, which is not declared on the label.
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Affected Date Code: Use-by date of September 4, 2026.
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Who is at risk: Anyone with a mustard allergy
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Waitrose Product Recall
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Affected Product: Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble (500g packs).
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The Issue: The dessert contains oats (gluten), which were omitted from the ingredients list on the packaging.
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Affected Date Code: Use-by date of August 19, 2026. Because this item includes home-freezing instructions to consume within one month of freezing, shoppers are urgently requested to check their freezers.
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Who is at risk: Anyone with an allergy or intolerance to oats or gluten, as well as individuals with coeliac disease
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: How to Return Affected Products
If you have purchased either of these items and have a relevant allergy or intolerance, do not consume them:
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Return to Store: Take the affected product back to your nearest Tesco or Waitrose branch.
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Get a Full Refund: Both supermarkets are offering a full refund to affected customers. You do not need a receipt to claim your money back.
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Why Product Recalls?
The Food Standards Agency and local Trading Standards have issued urgent product recalls for Tesco coleslaw and Waitrose rhubarb crumble due to undeclared allergens. The Tesco Finest Caesar & Smoked Bacon Coleslaw mistakenly contains cheese potato salad with unlisted mustard, while the Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble contains undeclared oats and gluten.
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Health Risks & Symptoms to Watch For
The Food Standards Agency categorizes these mix-ups as serious health risks. If you have accidentally eaten these products and are sensitive, monitor for the following symptoms:
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Oat / Gluten Intolerance: Stomach cramping, severe diarrhoea, nausea, or profound physical exhaustion.
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Mustard Allergy: Irritated or itchy skin rashes, hives, swelling of the mouth/throat, a runny nose, or breathing difficulties.
Tesco and Waitrose Food Warnings: Where to get Help?
If you cannot travel to a store or have bought the items online, you can call the Waitrose Customer Care Line at 0800 188 884 (Option 4) or log into your Tesco Customer Account to process a digital query.