Supermarkets in the UK have issued an urgent recall notice for a popular breakfast cereal due to a potentially life-threatening ingredient that could trigger severe allergic reactions.
The food safety watchdogs have issued a “do not eat” alert for Spoon Cereals’ Cinnamon and Pecan Granola, available at Waitrose, Ocado, and Morrisons, priced at up to £5. The cereal may contain peanuts and oats, posing a risk to individuals with peanut or gluten allergies or intolerances.
Spoons Cereals, the manufacturer, has announced that the recall affects their 400g packets of the cereal with the batch code M5244 and specific best before dates, including May 22, 2026, and May 26, 2026. They explained that a small number of products from one batch were mispackaged, potentially containing peanuts and gluten.
Individuals with peanut or gluten allergies or intolerances, including those with coeliac disease, are advised not to consume the product. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further information, customers can contact Spoon Cereals via email at spoon@spooncereals.co.uk.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), responsible for food safety regulation in the UK, stated that the business has also issued a notice to customers at the point of sale, explaining the reasons for the recall and providing instructions for those who have purchased the product.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects about 1 in 100 people, causing an inability to digest gluten. Symptoms can range from mild rashes to severe breathing difficulties and unconsciousness. The disease damages the lining of the small bowel, disrupting the absorption of nutrients from food.
Peanuts are one of the 14 allergens that must be declared on packaging by law. Approximately 1 in 50 children and 1 in 200 adults in the UK have nut allergies. Nut allergies are among the most severe and can lead to symptoms like swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
Individuals experiencing symptoms after consuming a recalled product are urged to seek immediate medical assistance. In the UK, about 2.4 million adults, or 6% of the population, have confirmed food allergies. Even a tiny amount of an allergen can trigger illness or, in extreme cases, death.