Mustard ingredients contaminated with peanuts, warns FSA

FSA warns allergy sufferers to avoid mustard consumption

This advisory comes after the discovery that these mustard ingredients may be contaminated with peanuts, posing a significant risk to those with peanut allergies.

Tracing the contamination

The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries, a producer in India. So far, only one UK company, FGS Ingredients Ltd, has been identified as a supplier of these ingredients. The FSA is collaborating with local authorities, businesses, and the industry to pinpoint which products might be affected.

Mustard ingredients are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packed sandwiches. Given the severity of allergic reactions to peanuts, the FSA is taking a precautionary approach to ensure that individuals with peanut allergies are well-informed and can take necessary precautions. Products containing mustard should have it listed in bold on the packaging, and any potential contamination should be indicated with a ‘may contain’ label. When dining out, consumers are advised to ask restaurant staff about the presence of mustard in their dishes, as food businesses are legally required to provide this information.

FSA call for vigilance

Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA’s Director of Food Policy, emphasised the importance of vigilance: “Those with a peanut allergy should avoid consuming products containing mustard until we identify the affected products. Parents and carers should check food labels carefully and enquire about ingredients when eating out or ordering takeaways.”

The FSA will issue specific allergy alerts on their website as more information becomes available. In the meantime, FGS Ingredients Ltd has advised its customers to remove any products containing the contaminated mustard ingredients from sale. The FSA has also urged the industry to review their food supply systems and withdraw any potentially contaminated products.