Three major British supermarkets have issued an urgent recall for popular sausages after milk was discovered in the product but not listed on the label, posing a serious health risk to customers with dairy allergies. Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons have pulled The Jolly Hog’s Leek Porkers 6 British Sausages from their shelves and warned shoppers not to consume them.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall affects 400g packets with a use by date of 28 September 2025, stating the undeclared milk makes the product “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.” Customers who purchased the affected sausages have been urged to return them to stores immediately for a full refund.
The Bristol-based company, known for its premium pork products and run by three brothers, has issued point-of-sale notices across all affected stores explaining the recall. The family business, which prides itself on high welfare standards and RSPCA Assured certification, apologised for the incident and thanked customers for their cooperation.
Immediate Action Required
The FSA has advised that anyone who has bought the recalled product and has a milk allergy or intolerance should not eat the sausages under any circumstances. The agency emphasised that whilst the product poses no risk to those without dairy allergies, it could trigger potentially severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
“If you have bought the product with the date affected and have a milk allergy, we advise you not to eat them,” The Jolly Hog stated in its customer notice. “Customers are asked to bring to their nearest store and a full refund will be issued for the product.”
The recall specifically affects only the Leek Porkers variety with the 28 September 2025 use by date. Other Jolly Hog products, including their popular Proper Porkers and Black Pudding Porkers ranges, are not affected by this recall.
Growing Concern Over Food Labelling Errors
This latest recall comes amid a surge in food safety alerts across British supermarkets in recent weeks. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about allergen management in food production, with undeclared ingredients remaining one of the most common reasons for product recalls in the UK.
Food safety experts warn that undeclared allergens can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Milk allergies affect approximately 2-3% of young children in the UK, making it one of the most common food allergies alongside eggs and peanuts.
The FSA has contacted relevant allergy support organisations to ensure their members are informed about the recall. These organisations play a crucial role in disseminating urgent safety information to vulnerable consumers who rely on accurate food labelling to manage their conditions.
Wider Recall Context
The Jolly Hog recall is part of a broader pattern of food safety issues affecting UK supermarkets this month. Farmfoods recently recalled its Chicken and Spinach Pasta due to undeclared crustaceans, fish and molluscs, whilst several chains pulled Spoon Cereals’ Cinnamon + Pecan Granola from shelves after discovering undeclared gluten and peanuts.
Last week saw one of the more serious recalls when Sainsbury’s withdrew its JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous products due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC). The bacterium can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhoea and potentially fatal kidney failure.
These incidents have renewed calls for stricter quality control measures in food production facilities. Industry experts suggest that whilst most recalls are precautionary, the frequency of allergen-related withdrawals indicates systemic issues in labelling processes that need addressing.
Company Response and Prevention Measures
The Jolly Hog, which supplies premium sausages to major retailers across the UK, has not disclosed how the undeclared milk came to be in the affected batch. The company, which achieved Great Taste Award recognition for its products, typically maintains strict quality control standards.
Food manufacturers are legally required to clearly list all fourteen major allergens on product packaging, including milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, cereals containing gluten, soybeans, celery, mustard, lupin and sulphites. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and legal action.
The recall process involves multiple steps, including immediate withdrawal from sale, customer notifications through point-of-sale notices, website announcements and social media alerts. Retailers must also report the issue to local Trading Standards departments, who monitor compliance with food safety regulations.
Consumer Advice
Food safety authorities recommend that consumers with allergies should always check product labels carefully, even on familiar items, as recipes and ingredients can change. They also advise signing up for allergen alert services provided by organisations such as Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected Jolly Hog sausages can return them to any Sainsbury’s, Waitrose or Morrisons store, regardless of where they were originally bought. No receipt is required for the refund, and staff have been instructed to process returns without question.
The FSA operates a comprehensive alert system for food recalls, issuing Product Recall Information Notices to consumers and local authorities. More serious incidents trigger Food Alert for Action notices, which require specific intervention from local authorities on behalf of consumers.
Industry Impact
The recall represents a setback for The Jolly Hog, which has built its reputation on quality and animal welfare standards. The company’s products are stocked in major supermarkets nationwide and have won multiple industry awards for taste and quality.
Food recalls cost the UK food industry millions annually, not just in returned products but also in damaged brand reputation and lost consumer trust. Recovery from such incidents often requires significant investment in rebuilding confidence through enhanced quality assurance measures and transparent communication.
Retail analysts note that whilst individual recalls rarely cause long-term damage to established brands, repeated incidents can erode consumer confidence. The current spate of recalls across multiple retailers may prompt industry-wide reviews of allergen management protocols.
For affected customers seeking more information about the recall, The Jolly Hog has provided a customer care email at customer.care@thejollyhog.com and encourages anyone with concerns to contact them directly. The company has committed to investigating how the labelling error occurred and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents.
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