Walkers recalls six-packs of crisps over 'health risk' issue

Major crisp manufacturer Walkers has issued a recall for packets of its crisps after discovering they may contain an ingredient harmful to those with certain allergies. The company is recalling Walkers Hot Honey Crisps 6 packs as some may inadvertently contain Mild Cheese and Onion seasoning, which includes milk - an allergen not declared on the packaging.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) sounded the alarm this afternoon, urging customers to return the affected crisps for a refund. It warned: "This product may contain milk making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to milk or intolerance to milk or milk constituents."

The product in question is the Walkers Hot Honey Crisps 6 pack, 6 x 25g, bearing a batch code of GBB 584 031 and a best before date of May 16 2026.

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The FSA further explained: "Walkers is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."

It advised: "If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to milk do not eat it. Instead, please call the Consumer Care Line on 0800 274 777 or visit contact.pepsico.com/walkers to receive a full refund."

The FSA shed light on the process of food alerts, stating: "Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold. Then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk. When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert."

A PepsiCo spokesperson said:
We are recalling a specific batch of Walkers Hot Honey 6 x 25g multipacks from specific UK retailers and wholesalers. Some of the packets may contain Mild Cheese & Onion seasoning rather than Hot Honey, meaning the product is incorrectly labelled and may pose a risk to people with an allergy to milk. This applies only to product with the impacted batch code. No other Walkers or PepsiCo products are in scope for this recall.

“The quality and safety of our products is of paramount importance to us and we sincerely apologise for the error. We are working with the Food Standards Agency, impacted retailers and allergen groups to inform consumers.”