Last week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced that urgent allergy advice remains in place, as they investigate mustard ingredients contaminated with peanuts. They are advising people with a peanut allergy to avoid eating foods that contain mustard, mustard seeds, mustard powder, or mustard flour.

The ongoing investigation by the FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) was sparked by traces of peanuts in mustard ingredients from three suppliers in India, who supply three spice companies in the UK. 

As of 27 September, the FSA had published 66 product recalls undertaken by a range of UK businesses, from hospitality and retail businesses to manufacturing. They expect further recalls, as they ask businesses to carry out necessary checks on their products. 

The FSA has said that it is very important that anyone with a peanut allergy avoids products containing mustard until they are satisfied that the products have been recalled. 

This investigation is complex and the FSA and FSS are working with relevant businesses, local authorities, and agencies to put all necessary measures in place to protect consumers.

While we understand that this advice may currently limit many people’s food choices, our priority must be to ensure consumer safety.