Popular cookies urgently pulled from shelves as ‘do not eat’ warning issued over major health fears
A POPULAR brand of cookie treats have been urgently pulled from shelves after a “do not eat” warning was issued.
Whatever Brands has recalled several Oreo products amid major health concerns – they may contain peanuts.
Shoppers were warned about five Oreo goodies from Indonesia as they are not labelled correctly.
They may contain traces of peanut, which are not mentioned in the ingredient list.
Detailing the Oreo alert today, Government health watchdog the Food Standards Agency said “Whatever Brands is recalling several Oreo products because they may contain peanuts, which are not mentioned on the label.
“This only affects products sold in the UK with a Whatever Brands label.
“They pose a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts.”
The affected products include Oreo Dark & White Chocolate Pack size 119.6g best before March 14, 15, 20 and 23 2025.
Oreo Strawberry Cream Pack size 119.6g best before March 15, 2025 have also been recalled.
And, Oreo Blueberry Ice Cream Pack size 119.6g best before November 1, 2024 have been ditched.
In addition, Oreo Cream Chocolate Cookie Pack size 119.6g best before September 15, 2024 have been removed from stores.
Meanwhile, the Oreo Vanilla Cookie Pack size 119.6g best before September 6, 2024, also disappeared from branches.
The FSA said: “Whatever Brands is recalling the above products from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
“The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.”
Whatever Brands’ official notice reads: “In the UK we are recalling a limited number of Oreo Dark & White chocolate, Strawberry Cream and Blueberry Cream Ice Cream flavour, Cream Chocolate flavour and Vanilla Cookie from Indonesia as they are not labelled correctly.
“The products being recalled because they may contain traces of peanut, which are not mentioned on the label.
“Affected stocks are stickered with Whatever Brands Limited labels.
“No other Oreo products are affected. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
“If you have purchased an affected Oreo products, please do not consume the product and contact our careline team for further guidance.”
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Sources: Allergy UK, NHS