ICELAND has urgently recalled some of its popular pies over fears they could put people at risk of dangerous allergic reactions.
Boxes of the creamy chicken pies may contain sulphites, a preservative some people are allergic to.
Not known, clear with picture deskCustomers at risk can return the product to their nearest store, where they will be given a full refund[/caption]
The substance is not listed on the ingredients label.
“This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites,” the Food Standard Agency (FSA) said.
“[If this is you], do not eat it.”
The warning only applies to pies that come in boxes of four with a ‘best before’ date: September, 12, 2024.
Customers at risk can return the product to their nearest Iceland store, where they will be given a full refund – with or without a receipt.
“For further details or if you have any questions, contact Iceland customer care on 0800 328 0800.”
It is rare for someone to be allergic to sulphites.
Only two per cent of the general population is thought to be allergic or have a sensitivity to the preservative.
However, this rises to between five and 13 per cent among asthmatics.
In people with asthma, sulphites can cause allergy-like symptoms, wheezing, tight chest and cough.
In severe cases, sulphites can trigger anaphylaxis.
The condition is caused by the body’s immune system overreacting, and can be set off by allergies to anything from foods, like nuts or shellfish, to general anaesthetic.
Signs of anaphylaxis
Warning signs can come on within minutes and can include feeling lightheaded or faint, difficulty breathing, blue skin, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.
The person affected may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
Ambulances should also be rung immediately.
When should I call 999 if someone is suffering an allergic reaction?
Call 999 if:
breathing, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
Ambulances should also be rung immediately.
your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and cannot be woken up
a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Source: The NHS