Lidl and Aldi issue urgent recall for Halloween treats - shoppers warned 'do not eat'

An urgent product recall has been issued for Halloween treats sold in Irish supermarkets, including Lidl and Aldi, due to an undeclared allergen. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has warned that Rose Halloween Spooky Tea Cakes, which were mispacked with Rose Orchard Tea Cakes, contain egg - an ingredient not mentioned on the label.

The FSAI stated: "The above batches of Rose Halloween Spooky Tea Cakes were mispacked with Rose Orchard Tea Cakes. The product contains egg, which is not mentioned on the label. This may make the implicated batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of eggs, and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batches. The affected batches are being recalled."

The affected batches:

All with the best-before dates of 28/08/26, 18/09/26, 22/09/26, and 24/09/26.

It's important to note that an egg intolerance and an egg allergy are different conditions, and the severity and risks vary, reports the Irish Mirror.

Egg Intolerance primarily affects the digestive system. Those with an intolerance may find it difficult to digest egg whites, yolks or both, resulting in digestive discomfort hours after consumption.

The symptoms are usually uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Many individuals might not even be aware they have an intolerance, as symptoms can be delayed or mild when consuming small quantities.

On the other hand, Egg Allergy involves the immune system. When exposed to eggs, the body perceives them as a harmful invader and releases chemicals in response.

An allergy can provoke severe, potentially life-threatening reactions, even from minuscule amounts of egg. Symptoms can manifest within 30 minutes of exposure, and reactions can also occur from touching eggs or inhaling particles in the air.