The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been notified by a small number of UK businesses in February 2025 that peanut and/or peanuty protein has been detected in garlic powder imported from China. The FSA is working closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS) on this issue. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have also announced a product recall for some garlic powders.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT FINDINGS

Based on the levels of peanut protein detected in the affected batches, case-by-case risk assessments have been conducted to inform FSA’s risk management advice (RMA). There is currently no evidence of a serious food safety concern and no illnesses have been reported in connection with this incident.

FSA ADVICE TO FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS

  • Traceability Exercise: Food businesses using garlic powder should complete a traceability exercise to identify if they have been supplied with affected batches.
  • Risk Assessment: If affected batches have been used, a product-specific risk assessment should be carried out to assess the risk and ensure food safety controls are in place.
  • Food Safety Actions: If insufficient controls are identified, food safety action should be taken based on the level of concern.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly review the situation and consult with local authorities as needed.
  • Investigations: Ongoing investigations by both FBOs and local authorities should continue.

The products recalled are as follows;
Damasgate Wholesale Sofra Garlic Powder (Ireland & UK), Tesco Garlic Powder (Ireland). Please check the FSA and FSAI websites for the allergy alerts with information on specific batches and sizes recalled.

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED TO DO?

Based on the levels of peanut protein detected and the intended use of the garlic powder, the FSA’s risk assessment indicates that the level of peanut detected in the product poses a risk to less than 1% of the peanut-allergic population. Businesses are advised to regularly check the Food Standards Agency and Food Safety Authority of Ireland websites for any updates on recalled batches and additional guidance.

For more information or support, affected customers can contact us at info@nutritics.com.