A VEGETARIAN meat substitute product is being recalled because it poses a “possible health risk”.
Wing Yip is urging customers to return its TKC Vegetarian Style Mutton Pieces because its labelling is incorrect.
The product contains wheat that is not mentioned on the label.
The Food Standards Agency has issued an alert, calling on customers to avoid eating the product if they are gluten intolerant or have Coeliac disease.
The FSA said: “Wing Yip is recalling TKC Vegetarian Style Mutton Pieces because it contains wheat (gluten) which is not mentioned on the label.
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“This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with coeliac disease, and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten.”
Around one per cent of Brits have coeliac disease but only 36 per cent are diagnosed, according to Coeliac UK.
The charity estimates around half a million people in the UK are currently undiagnosed.
Coeliac disease causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues when you eat gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
This damages the gut, preventing the body from taking in nutrients properly.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, tummy pain and bloating, as well as indigestion, constipation, tiredness, weight loss, an itchy rash, infertility or nerve damage.
Patients who continue to eat gluten over time can suffer long-term gut damage, weakening of the bones and iron deficiency.
Many other conditions including non-coeliac gluten sensitivity also need a gluten free diet and it is now estimated that at least 10 per cent of UK consumers are following this diet.
Wing Yip is recalling all batches of the product because they may contain gluten.
It said customers should return the product to stores for a full refund.
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An FSA spokesperson said: “Wing Yip is recalling the above product from customers and has contacted 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 product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.”