Lidl issues urgent ‘do not eat’ warning for tortilla chips over allergy fears

Packets of tortilla chips have been recalled over fears they might inadvertently trigger allergies. 

Lidl has issued a ‘do not eat’ warning for their Snaktastic Chilli Heatwave Tortilla Chips because of a packaging error.

Instead of being the flavour in question, the supermarket chain warned they may actually be Tangy Cheese Tortilla Chips — which contain milk.

Food safety watchdogs issued a warning over the ‘mis-pack’.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: ‘The product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.’

Only 200g packets with the batch code T4B3142 are affected. They have a best-before date of October 22, 2023.

No other Snaktastic products at Lidl GB are affected by this recall. 

Lidl said in its recall warning: ‘If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk, we advise you do not eat it.’

Instead the supermarket advises customers to return this product to the nearest store where a full refund will be provided. 

Lidl has contacted allergy support organisations, which will tell members about the recall and explain what to do if you have the product. 

The FSA issues food recalls, when customers are asked 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.

Milk allergy 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.