Urgent ‘do not eat’ warning for M&M chocolate and meat

Several urgent product recall notices have been issued this week, covering popular food items and toys. Consumers have been alerted to the potential hazards these products may present.

The Food Standards Agency has released warnings concerning a well-known chocolate product and a meat item. The alerts have been triggered after one product was found to pose a risk to allergy sufferers, while listeria monocytogenes was discovered in another. Seven toys have additionally been withdrawn from shelves this week due to potential asbestos contamination.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has provided disposal instructions for anyone in possession of the affected items.

M&M chocolates

M&M’s Pipoca (popcorn) has been recalled as it contains peanuts and gluten, and may also contain barley, rye and wheat, none of which are listed on the UK label.

A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated the chocolate product may present “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanut, an allergy or intolerance to barley, rye, wheat or cereals containing gluten or with coeliac disease”.

The affected packets were originally manufactured for the Brazilian market, with stickers subsequently added for sale in the UK. The recall covers 35g packs across all batch codes and best before dates.

The FSA added: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to peanut or an allergy or intolerance to barley, rye, wheat or cereals containing gluten, or coeliac disease, do not eat it.

“Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund with or without a receipt.”

Turkey Breast Pastrami

Gilbert’s 142g packs of Turkey Breast Pastrami have been recalled after listeria monocytogenes was discovered in the product. The FSA stated that symptoms triggered by listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu.

These include high temperature, muscle aches or pains, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. It cautioned: “However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.”

The recall applies to 142g packs with a use-by date of April 9, 2026, and the product codes CK016 or CK027.

Smyths Toys recall

Several toys sold at Smyths Toys have been withdrawn from sale due to the risk of asbestos contamination. The affected items comprise a range of dig toys including the Dino Dig Sensory Bin (248772), the Dig In Kit GOLD (231105), Let’s Dig Out Dinosaur Eggs 10pc (166403), Gem Dig Kit, 12 Gem Pack (187539), Dig It Up Pirates 13 Treasure Chest (223521), and the Gem Dig 8 pack.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand-like material inside the toy may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.”

Anyone in possession of the toys must cease using them straight away. The OPSS added: “If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.

“If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.”

Ensure the sand is kept away from children and thoroughly clean the area where it was stored. Customers can get in touch with Smyths Toys to claim a full refund.