Peanut Contamination
I have a peanut allergy, why do I need to not eat food products containing mustard?
The FSAI has been notified by the Food Standards Agency UK that batches of mustard powder and mustard flour imported to the UK from India have been found to contain undeclared peanut protein. Mustard powder and mustard flour are used as ingredients in a wide range of food products that may be on the market in Ireland and therefore, as a precaution, the FSAI is advising anyone with a peanut allergy, or suspected peanut allergy, not to eat any product containing mustard as an ingredient. The FSAI issued a press release in relation to this on 20/09/2024.
How will I know if a food product contains mustard?
Mustard is also a priority allergen in the EU and therefore, pre-packed food products that contain mustard as an ingredient must declare and highlight mustard in the list of ingredients.
For non-prepacked food (e.g., deli counters, cafes/restaurants, self-serve salad bars etc.), food allergens (i.e., mustard) must be declared in clear and legible writing that can be easily accessed and understood by you, without the need to request such information.
For further information on allergen labelling requirements for pre-packed and non-prepacked foods please visit the Food Allergens' advice for consumers page.
Should I avoid food products that state “may contain mustard”/ “produced in a factory that handles mustard” etc.?
As a precaution, the FSAI is advising consumers who have a peanut allergy or suspected peanut allergy to also avoid all food products with precautionary allergen statements for mustard.
How long do I need to avoid food products that contain or may contain mustard?
Investigations into the contamination of mustard powder and mustard flour are ongoing. Updates to consumers will be provided by the FSAI when available.
What specific products are affected?
The FSAI has published two food allergen alerts for Carlo’s Takeaway Garlic and Herb & dip (sold in Aldi) and Domino’s Pizza Garlic & Herb and Honey & Mustard dips due to the possible presence of peanut.
However, there may be other products affected that have not yet been identified. The FSAI will publish allergen alerts for any specific food products contaminated or potentially contaminated with peanut identified during the course of this investigation. You can subscribe to our food allergen alerts and you will be notified of any new alerts in relation to this contamination.
What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to a food product that does not have peanut labelled as an ingredient?
Peanut allergy sufferers should seek medical advice, as normal, if they have an allergic reaction to any food product.
Allergic reactions as a result of peanut not being labelled on a food product should be reported to the FSAI Advice Line via our Make a Complaint form.
I do not have a peanut allergy or suspected peanut allergy, do I need to avoid food products containing mustard?
There is no risk to the general population from food products that contain mustard. Only those with a peanut allergy or suspected peanut allergy need to avoid these food products, as a precaution.
How can I be notified when a food allergen alert is issued by the FSAI?
Consumers can subscribe to receive an email and a text message when a food allergen alert is issued by the FSAI.