Products Recalled:
Ultra Soya Lecithin 1200mg pack sizes of 50, 100, and 250 capsules were recalled from customers.
Problem:
Soya lecithin soft gel capsules manufactured by Holland & Barrett are being recalled because they may contain peanuts despite not being declared on the label, indicating that anyone with a peanut allergy may be at risk from using the product [1].
Scientific Evidence:
- Peanuts contain protein that can cause an allergic reaction in around 3% of children. The severity of reactions to peanuts can vary. Mild reactions are most common and consist of hives, abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and can be life–threatening. It can involve difficulty breathing, throat swelling or a drop in blood pressure. In Australia, peanuts are one of the most common foods to cause anaphylaxis [2].
- A study was conducted in the Isle of Wight, UK, on a group of 3- and 4-year–old children with peanut allergy, and the results were compared to that of the children born in 1989. There was a documented twofold increase in reported peanut allergy (1.3–3.3%)[3].
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What Regulations Clarifies:
According to the UK government, if a prepackaged food contains one of the 14 allergens, it must be clearly stated on the label. The allergen must be highlighted in some way when it is mentioned on the label [4].