Lidl recall: pesto may contain undeclared peanuts

The budget supermarket is warning customers that its Baresa Pesto alla Genovese (Green) and Baresa Red Pesto may contain peanuts not mentioned on the label. This presents a possible health risk for anyone with a peanut allergy.

Here’s what you need to know about the product recall.

Which pesto products are being recalled?

Baresa Pesto alla Genovese (Green)

Pack size: 190 g

Best-before dates: up to and including October 2022

Baresa Red Pesto

Pack size: 190 g

Best-before dates: up to and including October 2022

Risk statement

Allergen(s): peanuts

The risk statement reads, “These products may contain peanuts making them a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts.”

What action has been taken by the supermarket?

Lidl GB is recalling the two pesto products from its shelves, and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.

The supermarket has issued point-of-sale notices for their customers, which explain why the products are being recalled, alongside them what to do if you have bought the products.

The notice reads, “Baresa Pesto alla Genovese (Green), 190g and Baresa Red Pesto, 190g all Best Before Dates up to and including 10/2022.

“Lidl GB is recalling Baresa Pesto 190g (alla Genovese and Red), with the above Best Before Dates, as the products may contain undeclared traces of peanuts. If you have bought the above products, and have an allergy to peanuts, we advise you not to consume them.”

What should I do if I have bought the pesto?

The notice explains, “Instead, if you are already making an essential trip to a Lidl GB store you can return the item to the store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.

“Alternatively, please dispose of the product and email [email protected] including a photo of the affected product and Best Before Date.

“The Customer Services team will process this refund via letter. Other Baresa products or Best Before Dates are not affected by this recall. Lid I GB wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Customer Services on 0370 444 1234.”

What are the signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy?

Allergy UK explains that the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction usually occur within minutes of contact with peanuts, but can also occur up to one hour later.

Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction.

Mild to moderate symptoms include:

Itchy mouth, tongue and throat

Swelling of lips, around the eyes or faceRed raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)

Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea

Runny nose and sneezing

Any one or more of the following symptoms are a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Adrenaline, if available, should be given without delay and an ambulance called, informing the call operator being informed that it is anaphylaxis, explains Allergy UK.

Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Swelling of the tongue and/or throat

Difficulty in swallowing or speaking

Change in voice (hoarse voice)

Wheeze (whistling noise) or persistent cough

Difficult or noisy breathing

Dizziness, collapse, loss of consciousness (due to a drop in blood pressure)

Pale, floppy, sudden sleepiness in babies