Tesco recalls all batches of food product over serious health risk – with ‘do not eat’ warning

United Kingdom (Parliament Politics Magazine) Tesco has issued a recall for all batches of its Free From Breadcrumbs product due to undeclared wheat (gluten), posing a serious health risk to allergy sufferers. Shoppers are urged not to consume the product and to return it for a refund.

Tesco Issues Nationwide Recall Over Undeclared Allergen

As reported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and covered by multiple media including the Northampton Chronicle & Echo by journalist Louise Smith, Tesco has recalled all batches of its Tesco Free From Breadcrumbs product due to the presence of undeclared wheat (gluten). This recall affects all batch codes and best before dates up to and including January 2027.​

The product recall follows safety alerts issued by the FSA on October 15 and updated October 16, 2025, highlighting the risk posed to consumers with wheat allergies, gluten intolerance, or coeliac disease. As an undeclared allergen, the breadcrumbs could trigger severe allergic reactions or health complications. Tesco strongly advises consumers not to eat the product if they have purchased it.​

Clear Advisory: Do Not Eat

The official warning from Tesco, extensively reported by media including The Sun and Yahoo News, emphatically states that consumers should not consume any Tesco Free From Breadcrumbs product in their possession. Tesco has labelled this a serious health hazard, underlining the risk to vulnerable shoppers.​

Tesco is offering refunds to affected customers, with instructions to return the product to the store or dispose of it safely. The supermarket giant has apologised for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing customer safety as its top priority.​

Details of the Recalled Product

• Product Name: Tesco Free From Breadcrumbs
• Pack Size: 170g
• Batch Codes: All batches affected
• Best Before Dates: Up to and including January 2027

The presence of wheat (gluten) is not stated on the packaging, which is normally promoted as a gluten-free option for allergy-sensitive consumers.​

Health Risk from Undeclared Wheat (Gluten)

As reported by the FSA and Tesco’s statements, wheat and gluten can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms such as stomach cramps to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis in coeliac patients and highly sensitive individuals. This underscores the recall’s urgency and reason.food​

Historical Context of Tesco Food Recalls

Tesco has previously issued urgent recalls for various products due to contamination concerns. For instance, in July 2025, Tesco recalled pasta salad products after detection of Salmonella contamination, as covered by newsdrift on YouTube and other outlets. This incident involved several prepacked pasta salads with specific use-by dates, which were pulled from shelves due to food poisoning risks.youtube​

Such recalls highlight Tesco’s proactive stance on food safety and consumer health, though they naturally cause inconvenience for shoppers.

Tesco’s Response and Consumer Advice

Tesco spokesperson, as quoted in The Sun by journalist James Carter, stated: “We are deeply sorry for any distress caused by this recall and are committed to ensuring the highest food safety standards for all our customers. Anyone who has purchased Tesco Free From Breadcrumbs should not consume the product and return it for a full refund”.​

The Food Standards Agency has also issued public safety notices encouraging consumers to check their kitchen cupboards for the affected product and adhere strictly to the warning.​

Impact on Consumers and Allergy Community

This recall has significant consequences for those relying on gluten-free foods due to health conditions. The omission of wheat on the labels breaches strict food allergen labelling laws, heightening consumer risk and anxiety.​

Consumer advocacy groups have reiterated the importance of transparent and accurate labelling in preventing allergic incidents. Several media outlets covering the story, like Yahoo News and the Northampton Chronicle, have included voices from allergy sufferers urging supermarkets to tighten quality controls to avoid similar mislabelling in the future.​

Other Current Food Safety Alerts

While this Tesco recall is the focus, other UK supermarket chains like Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s have issued separate ‘do not eat’ warnings on various products in recent months due to contamination or labelling errors. The cumulative alert climate reflects heightened vigilance from food authorities and retailers alike.​