Aldi urgently recalls deli meats over allergy fears

Aldi has recalled two varieties of its deli meats over fears they contain milk — which isn’t mentioned on the products. 

The supermarket’s Deli Salami Selection and Deli Continental Selection stamped with a September 25 ‘use by’ date are both affected. 

Aldi said the product is being recalled as a ‘precautionary measure’ after its supplier spotted that the product had been contaminated. 

Officials at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the alert, warn the product is a ‘possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk’.

The Deli Salami selection, pictured left, sold in 140g pack with the use by date 25 September 2023 is affected by the recall along with the 120g Deli Continental Selection, pictured right, with the same use by date

Aldi has issued a point-of sale notice to its customers explaining why the products are being recalled and what to do if they have bought the products

The Deli Salami selection sold in 140g pack with the use by date 25 September 2023 is affected by the recall, along with the 120g Deli Continental Selection with the same use by date. 

Only these batches have been recalled.  

Customers are urged to ‘not eat’ the deli meat packs, which contain a mix of salami and cured ham, if they have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Instead, those who have purchased the packs can return them to their nearest store for a full refund. 

Aldi has also issued a point-of sale notice to its customers explaining why the products are being recalled and what to do if they have bought the products. 

The FSA issues food recalls – which ask customers to return a product – when problems are spotted with food that means it should not be sold. 

People who cannot consume milk are either allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk or they cannot digest the sugar in the product, known as lactose intolerance.

Symptoms can range from just a rash and itching to vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. It can occur within minutes of eating or drinking items which contain dairy.

In severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction when swelling in the throat can block the airways.

Around three in 100 babies have a cow’s milk allergy but most grow out of it during their childhood.

Older children and adults who are allergic to cow’s milk tend to have a more serious allergy.

Many products found on supermarket shelves that are not typical dairy products still contain milk, such as cereals, bread, biscuits, crackers, sauces and cakes.