Urgent Recall Issued for Baxters Gherkins Due to Undeclared Mustard Allergy Risk

A popular sandwich topping commonly available in major supermarkets has been quickly stripped from sale due to concerns about potential health dangers. Baxters Sliced Gherkins Crunchy & Sweet, priced at around £2.50 at stores like Tesco, have been recalled after food safety experts discovered that the jars contain mustard, a known allergen, which was not listed on the product’s label.

The manufacturer, Baxter’s Food Group, emphasized that only specific batches are affected, noting jars dated with best-before dates of June 2026 and July 2026. The presence of mustard is especially hazardous to individuals allergic to the spice, as it can trigger allergic reactions such as stomach discomfort, swollen lips, vomiting, and skin rashes.

A spokesperson from Baxters advised customers to immediately dispose of the product if they have an allergy to mustard. Anyone impacted should contact the company's customer service team to arrange the issue of a replacement.

Additionally, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an alert specifying that Baxter’s Gherkins pose a potential health risk to consumers allergic to mustard due to the omission of mustard on the ingredients label. Customers unaware of the allergen could inadvertently consume the product and suffer an allergic response.

Earlier this year, the FSA also issued a separate recall involving various Irish cheese products, including Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar and Old Irish cheddar types, over contamination by listeria bacteria. Health officials cautioned that listeria infections may cause flu-like symptoms such as high fever, muscle pains, and diarrhea. Symptoms can manifest quickly after consumption or linger and appear months later, particularly harming vulnerable groups like young children, elderly people, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.