Shoppers have been issued with an urgent food safety warning after a popular festive party food was recalled over fears it could trigger potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food safety officials confirmed that a Christmas product sold by a major supermarket chain contains a hidden allergen that is not declared on the packaging, placing consumers with food allergies or intolerances at serious risk.
A “do not eat” alert has now been issued, advising anyone who has already purchased the affected product to avoid consuming it under any circumstances.
The warning comes during the height of the festive season, a time when households typically stock up on party foods and share buffet-style dishes with family, friends, and colleagues. Health experts warn that this period carries increased danger for people with allergies, as food is often served communally and labels may be overlooked.
Regulators said the product was recalled after routine safety checks revealed a labelling error that could result in consumers being unknowingly exposed to an allergen capable of triggering severe reactions.
Medical specialists stress that undeclared allergens remain one of the most serious risks for allergy sufferers. Even trace amounts can provoke an immune response that escalates rapidly, sometimes within minutes.
Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat, releasing chemicals that cause symptoms ranging from itching and swelling to vomiting, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness. In the most severe cases, exposure can result in anaphylaxis — a medical emergency that can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Importantly, experts note that allergens do not always need to be ingested to cause harm. For some individuals, touching a food containing an allergen or inhaling airborne particles can trigger symptoms, particularly skin reactions and swelling around the eyes and lips.
Authorities said the recall was initiated as a precautionary measure once it became clear that packaging did not accurately reflect the product’s contents. The issue was flagged during standard monitoring procedures designed to ensure foods meet strict safety and labelling requirements.
Only later did regulators confirm that the undeclared allergen involved is egg, one of the most commonly reported food allergens and one that must be clearly identified on packaging due to the severity of reactions it can cause.
Egg allergy is especially common in children, though many people continue to be affected into adulthood. While some individuals can tolerate egg that has been extensively baked into foods such as bread or cakes, others experience reactions to even minimal exposure.
Symptoms can include hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, stomach cramps, vomiting, wheezing, dizziness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can occur, requiring immediate treatment with adrenaline.
It has now been confirmed that the recalled product is Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets, sold as part of a seasonal festive range by supermarket chain Aldi.
The recall applies specifically to 278-gram packs with a use-by date of 15 December 2025 and the barcode number 4069365328743.
Food safety officials stated that the product contains egg that is not mentioned on the ingredient label, making it unsafe for people with an egg allergy or intolerance.
Aldi confirmed that point-of-sale notices have been displayed in stores that sold the product, warning customers of the issue and explaining the reason for the recall.
In a statement, the retailer said:
“As a precautionary measure, our supplier is recalling Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets because the product is labelled incorrectly and contains an undeclared allergen (egg).”
“Customers are asked to return this product to their nearest store, where a full refund will be given.”
The supermarket added that customers do not need to present a receipt to receive a refund and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Consumer safety advocates say recalls such as this highlight the continued risks posed by incorrect food labelling, particularly during the festive season when limited-edition products are introduced rapidly and sold in high volumes.
High-profile fatal allergy cases in recent years have drawn attention to the devastating consequences of undeclared allergens. In one widely cited case, a teenage girl collapsed and died after consuming food containing sesame that was not listed on the label, prompting major changes to food labelling rules in several regions.
Although that case involved a different allergen, experts say the underlying issue — inaccurate or incomplete ingredient information — remains a persistent threat.
“Egg is considered a high-risk allergen because reactions can be severe and unpredictable,” said one allergy specialist. “People rely entirely on labels to keep themselves safe. When that information is wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic.”
Food safety agencies explain that products may be withdrawn from sale or formally recalled if they are found to pose a risk to public health. A recall specifically asks customers who have already purchased the item to return it or dispose of it safely.
In recent years, there has been an increase in recalls linked to undeclared allergens such as egg, milk, nuts, and sesame, often affecting seasonal or specialty products.
Health professionals stress that the most effective treatment for a severe allergic reaction is the timely injection of adrenaline. Individuals with known allergies are strongly advised to carry an auto-injector at all times and ensure those around them know how to use it in an emergency.
However, experts emphasize that prevention remains the most critical safeguard, and that accurate food labelling is essential to protecting vulnerable consumers.
Authorities have urged anyone who purchased the affected mozzarella sticks and has an egg allergy or intolerance to avoid eating the product and return it immediately.
Consumers without allergies are also advised to check their freezers and refrigerators carefully and avoid serving recalled products at gatherings where guests’ dietary needs may not be fully known.
As festive celebrations continue, food safety officials are reminding shoppers to stay alert, read labels carefully, and pay attention to recall notices issued by retailers and regulators.
“This incident serves as a reminder that even familiar brands and trusted stores can make mistakes,” said a consumer safety advocate. “For people with allergies, those mistakes can be life-threatening.”
Anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming a food product is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
