Allergen Recall: Chocolate Cream Oreos by Poundstretcher
Allergen Recall:
Chocolate Cream Oreos by Poundstretcher
Chocolate Cream Oreos
Poundstretcher is recalling 4-packs of Chocolate Cream Oreos because of undeclared allergens wheat (gluten) and milk.
Poundstretcher's sticker over the original packaging by Kraft Foods do show the allergens, but they are not highlighted (made bold) so those with an allergy or intolerance to wheat and/or milk may not notice them
Milk Allergen
Some people's immune system overreacts to certain proteins in the milk, which results in an allergy to milk, dairy and other milk-derivatives. This allergic response tends to happen very rapidly - although the exact time can depend on what other foods were consumed at the same time and how long their digestion takes. According to Wikipedia, a milk allergy causes anaphylaxis in about 1-2 % of cases.
Lactose Intolerance
There are also people who suffer from lactose intolerance, caused by an inability to digest lactose, which is found in milk and other milk products. The symptoms often include abdominal pain, bloating and gas, diarrhea and nausea. These tend to start within an hour or two after the person drinks milk or eats milk products.
Wheat and Gluten Allergies
According to Allergy UK, reactions to wheat can be due to a variety of reasons.
An immediate allergy is caused by the body producing IgE antibodies to one or more proteins found in the wheat grain. This kind of wheat allergy is more common in children, though adults can have it as well. Symptoms can occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after eating the wheat containing product and include rhinitis, asthma, hives (urticaria), swelling (angio-oedema) or anaphylaxis. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and a flare up of eczema can also occur.
Some people can have a serious immediate allergic reaction if they exercise after eating a wheat containing product. These allergic reactions can be severe, and lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition.
A delayed reaction to wheat does not involve those IgE antibodies and can occur between several hours and several days to take effect. Sympptoms include diarrhoea or worsening of excema.
Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten proteins found in wheat and other grains, like barley and rye. This autoimmune reaction causes damage to the lining of the small intestine which decreases the ability of the gut to absorb nutrients; this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms can include feeling bloated, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation, tiredness, sudden or unexpected weight loss, hair loss, joint or bone pain, pins and needles, infertility or repeat miscarriages and anaemia, and sometimes also dermatitis herpetiformis.
Intolerance due to gut fermentation can cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like symptoms such as feeling bloated, having gas, gurgling and abdominal pain. These symptoms are caused by bacteria in the large intestine fermenting the poorly absorbed fructose molecules found in wheat (and some other food products).
Gluten sensitivity is a newly recognised condition, and it is still unclear whether the symptoms are caused by a reaction to the gluten or another protein found in wheat. Symptoms can including abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, bloating, nausea and reflux. It is also associated with symptoms such as foggy mind, joint pains, fatigue, depression, headaches, anxiety and a general lack of well being.
Chocolate Cream Oreos by Poundstretcher
Product | Pack Size | Best Before | EAN Code | Allergens |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oreos | 4 pack ONLY | April, May, July and August 2017 | 7622300360375 | Wheat (Gluten), Milk |
The article by the Food Standards Agency has since been removed.