British shoppers are being urged to check their cupboards after a popular snack product was recalled due to a serious health risk. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a recall notice for Ottolenghi’s Vadouvan Pita Chips, warning that the crisps may cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to undeclared allergens on the packaging.
If you’ve recently bought a packet of these pita chips from Ottolenghi’s delis or retail outlets across England, you may be affected by the recall. Here’s everything you need to know—including the health risks, how to identify the product, and what to do if you’ve purchased it.
What’s Been Recalled—and Why?
The product in question is Ottolenghi Vadouvan Spiced Pita Chips, a gourmet snack sold in Ottolenghi’s upscale food shops, delis, and online store. The recall applies specifically to packages sold in England, although shoppers across the UK are advised to remain vigilant.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that the pita chips contain two allergens—celery and mustard—that were not declared on the product’s ingredient label. This makes the snack potentially dangerous for individuals who suffer from allergies or intolerances to either ingredient.
The recall was issued because consuming even small amounts of undeclared allergens can trigger reactions that range from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.
What Are the Health Risks?
For most people, celery and mustard may seem harmless—but for individuals with allergies to these foods, they can pose a serious threat.
According to NHS guidelines, symptoms of a celery or mustard allergy can include:
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Skin reactions (rash, hives, or itching)
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Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
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Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
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Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or coughing
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Anaphylaxis in severe cases, which requires immediate emergency treatment
Because these symptoms can escalate quickly and unpredictably, it's crucial that food labels clearly list any allergens—especially those as common as mustard and celery, both of which are among the 14 major allergens legally required to be declared on food packaging in the UK.
How to Identify the Affected Product
If you believe you may have purchased this product, here are the key details to check:
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Product name: Ottolenghi Vadouvan Spiced Pita Chips
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Packaging: Typically sold in branded bags at Ottolenghi delis or in specialty food shops
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Best before date: Consumers should check the FSA website or contact Ottolenghi directly for specific batch numbers and expiry dates related to the recall
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Allergens involved: Celery and mustard (undeclared)
If you are unsure whether your purchase is affected, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Do not consume the product and contact the retailer for confirmation.
What to Do If You Bought It
If you have bought the affected Vadouvan Pita Chips, the FSA and Ottolenghi recommend the following:
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Do not eat the crisps, especially if you have an allergy to mustard or celery.
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Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund—no receipt is required.
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Dispose of the product safely if returning it is not an option, particularly if other allergy sufferers are in the household.
Ottolenghi has also issued a customer service statement and is working with food safety authorities to ensure that proper allergen labeling protocols are reinforced moving forward.
What Is Ottolenghi Saying?
Ottolenghi, the renowned food brand founded by chef Yotam Ottolenghi, is well known for its high-quality Mediterranean-inspired offerings. The brand operates several delis and restaurants in London and sells packaged goods in retail and online.
In a statement, the company expressed regret over the labeling oversight and emphasized its commitment to customer safety:
“We sincerely apologise for this error and for any concern caused. We take allergen labeling extremely seriously and are reviewing our packaging and internal processes to ensure that this does not happen again. Our customers’ health and trust are of the utmost importance to us.”
Ottolenghi has also assured customers that no other products are affected by this recall and that corrective actions are already underway.
How Common Are Food Recalls in the UK?
Food recalls are not uncommon, especially when it comes to undeclared allergens. In 2024 alone, the Food Standards Agency reported dozens of recalls, with undeclared ingredients being one of the leading causes.
While food producers are subject to strict allergen labeling laws under UK regulations, occasional errors still occur—often due to packaging mix-ups, labeling mistakes, or supplier issues.
The FSA acts quickly in these cases, issuing alerts, working with brands to correct the problem, and ensuring the public is notified through multiple channels, including its website, social media, and local media outlets.
How Can Consumers Stay Safe?
If you or a family member lives with a food allergy, it's always best to stay proactive. Here are a few tips to minimize risk:
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Read labels carefully every time you shop—even if it’s a familiar product.
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Register for food recall alerts on the FSA’s website to receive notifications about new product recalls.
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Ask staff about allergens when shopping at bakeries, delis, or restaurants, especially if items are made in-house or sold loose.
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Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if prescribed, and make sure others know how to use it in an emergency.
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Check hygiene and allergen information before dining out by reviewing a restaurant's food hygiene rating on the FSA website.
Final Thoughts
This latest recall involving Ottolenghi’s Vadouvan Pita Chips is a reminder of how important accurate food labeling is—especially when allergens are involved. While the recall affects only a specific product and region, it underscores a broader issue in food safety and consumer awareness.
For those with food allergies, the consequences of a labeling error can be serious. Fortunately, the FSA’s prompt response and Ottolenghi’s cooperation are helping to mitigate risk and ensure that affected customers are properly informed.
If you believe you may have purchased this product, take action now. And for all consumers—whether managing allergies or simply trying to stay informed—it’s always a good idea to remain alert to food recalls and know what to do if one affects you.
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