Co-op has issued an urgent recall for its 4 Mini Pork & Pickle Pies due to the presence of undeclared milk, posing a significant health risk to individuals with milk allergies or intolerances. The affected products, sold in 200g packs, have use-by dates of August 13, 14, and 16, 2025. Customers are strongly advised not to consume these pies and to return them for a full refund.
Key Takeaways
- Product: Co-op 4 Mini Pork & Pickle Pies (200g packs).
- Reason for Recall: Contains milk which is not declared on the label.
- Risk: Potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, for those with milk allergies or intolerances.
- Affected Dates: Use-by dates of August 13, 14, and 16, 2025.
- Action Required: Do not consume; return to store for a full refund or replacement.
Undeclared Allergen Sparks Health Warning
Co-op is taking immediate action to remove its 4 Mini Pork & Pickle Pies from shelves following a critical food safety alert. The recall has been initiated because the product contains milk, a common allergen, which was not clearly indicated on the product’s packaging. This oversight means that consumers with milk allergies or intolerances could unknowingly consume the product, leading to severe health consequences.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a strong warning, advising anyone who has purchased the affected pies not to eat them. The specific batches in question are the 200g packs with use-by dates of August 13, 14, and 16, 2025. The supermarket is facilitating returns for a full refund or a suitable replacement.
Understanding the Risks of Milk Allergies
Milk is one of the 14 major allergens recognized in the UK. For individuals with a milk allergy, even minuscule amounts of milk or milk constituents can trigger a range of symptoms. These can vary from mild reactions like hives and swelling to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. While milk intolerance may not be life-threatening, it can still cause significant discomfort, including stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Consumer Guidance and Further Information
Co-op has stated that it has informed relevant allergy support organizations and has placed point-of-sale notices in stores to inform customers about the recall. Customers who purchased the product online can arrange for a refund by contacting the retailer directly. The supermarket has apologized for any inconvenience caused by this recall and has not yet disclosed the specific reason for the labelling error. Consumers can stay updated on food recalls by subscribing to the FSA’s allergy alert service.
### Sources
- Do not eat warning issued as major supermarket chain recalls pork pies due severe risk, Daily Mail.
- Major supermarket urgently recalls pork pies over ‘health risk’ as customers urged to ‘dispose of product’, The Sun.
- Major supermarket issues urgent do not eat warning over pork pies amid health risk, London Evening Standard.