Burger recall underlines plant-based allergen risks

The potential presence of milk means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. The product is made from soya beans and billed as free from gluten and dairy ingredients.

The decision highlights the risks inherent in designing vegan or vegetarian variants of meat-based products. The danger was referenced by Julia Pepler, director of Food Integrity Consulting, at ‘Building an allergen-free culture’, a Society of Food Hygiene & Technology event on 27 February at High Wycombe​​.​

Flagging up the recall, the Food Standards Agency stated​​: “Food for Progress is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.​

Point-of-sale notices​

“The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.​

“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund or call Oumph! customer care.”​

Sweden-based Food For Progress added: “​We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused and will ensure this doesn’t happen again.”​

Oumph! branded products are sold in Tesco, Asda, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods Market and As Nature Intended stores, plus a range of independents and foodservice and hospitality channels.

Allergens will be one of the focuses at Food Manufacture’s​ free webinar ‘Product recalls: prevention and cost management’​​ – sponsored by Columbus – which is being held on 17 March at 3pm. Speakers include Sterling Crew, chairman of the Food Authenticity Network, Steve Spice, regulatory manager at Ashbury, and Simon Noakes, small and medium business director, Columbus Group.

27-28 May 2020 The Plant-based protein conference is a one-day event that will have in-depth sessions addressing current technical and operational challenges in creating plant-based meat and dairy placements TAKE A LOOK AT THE AGENDA ATTEND THE SUMMIT Brought to you by Food Manufacture