The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent product recall for a popular low-calorie snack after discovering it may contain undeclared almonds, creating a potentially life-threatening situation for individuals with nut allergies.
Immediate Health Warning Issued
Cottage Delight Garlic Stuffed Gordal Olives have been identified as containing traces of almonds that are not listed on the product label. This omission represents a serious health hazard for those with advanced nut allergies, who rely on accurate ingredient information to avoid dangerous allergic reactions.
Critical Safety Information
The FSA has provided clear instructions for consumers who may have purchased the affected product:
- Do not consume the olives if you have an allergy to almonds or nuts
- Return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund
- A receipt is not required for the refund process
- For additional information, contact Cottage Delight directly at qualitymatters@cottagedelight.co.uk
Product Identification Details
The affected batches are specifically identified as:
- 280g jars of Cottage Delight Garlic Stuffed Gordal Olives
- Best before date: December 2028
Consumers are advised to photograph the recall notice or record the best-before date for reference when returning the product.
Understanding the Risk
The FSA has classified this situation as "potential cross contamination" - a term that describes when allergens from one food product inadvertently transfer to another during manufacturing or packaging. For individuals with severe nut allergies, even minute traces of almonds can trigger serious reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
The Role of the Food Standards Agency
As the official food safety authority for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the FSA maintains responsibility for ensuring that food products are safe for consumption and accurately labelled. When products are found to be unsafe or mislabelled, the agency issues public alerts with specific guidance for consumer protection.
This recall demonstrates the critical importance of accurate food labelling and the ongoing vigilance required to protect vulnerable consumers from accidental allergen exposure.
