Thousands of packets of cheese and onion flavoured crisps have been urgently recalled from One Stop stores across Britain after undeclared milk was discovered in the product, posing a potentially life-threatening risk to customers with dairy allergies. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an immediate alert warning consumers not to eat the affected snacks and to return them for a full refund.
The recall affects One Stop Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Hand Cooked Crisps in 150g bags, with specific best before dates of 17 February 2026, 18 February 2026, and 23 February 2026. The convenience store chain, which operates hundreds of outlets across England and Wales, has pulled all affected products from shelves following the discovery.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not eat it,” the FSA warned in its official statement. The agency confirmed that the undeclared milk ingredient creates a serious health risk for anyone with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
No Receipt Required for Refunds
One Stop has moved swiftly to address the safety issue, instructing all store staff to process immediate refunds for returned products without requiring proof of purchase. The company issued a direct apology to customers, stating: “We are recalling three date codes of One Stop Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Flavour Hand Cooked Crisps 150g as they may contain milk which is not declared on the label.”
The retailer emphasised that customers should not consume the affected products and should return them to their nearest One Stop store where a full refund would be provided. “No receipt is required. One Stop apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused,” the company statement read.
Point-of-sale notices have been displayed in all One Stop stores selling the product, explaining the recall to customers and providing clear instructions on what action to take. The FSA confirmed it is working closely with One Stop to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation.
Serious Health Implications
The presence of undeclared milk in food products poses significant health risks for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. According to Allergy UK, cow’s milk allergy affects two to three per cent of babies in Britain, making it one of the most common childhood food allergies. Whilst many children outgrow the allergy by school age, those who retain it into adulthood often experience more severe reactions.
Medical experts warn that milk allergy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Mild to moderate reactions typically include an itchy mouth, tongue and throat, swelling of lips or face, skin rashes known as hives or urticaria, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and a runny nose.
However, more severe symptoms can develop rapidly and require emergency medical attention. These include swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or speaking, wheezing or persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and in the most serious cases, anaphylaxis, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure leading to collapse or loss of consciousness.
Anaphylaxis Risk Demands Urgent Action
The NHS defines anaphylaxis as the most severe form of allergic reaction, which can be fatal without immediate treatment. Symptoms typically occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen, though they can appear up to two hours later. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should call 999 immediately and use an adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed.
“Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires treatment with an epinephrine shot and a trip to the emergency room,” explains guidance from medical professionals. The condition causes airways to narrow, making breathing difficult, whilst blood pressure can drop dramatically, leading to shock.
The FSA’s swift action in issuing the recall notice reflects the serious nature of the risk. The agency has contacted relevant allergy support organisations to ensure their members are informed about the danger. This network includes groups like Anaphylaxis UK and Allergy UK, which provide vital support to the estimated two million people in Britain living with food allergies.
Growing Pattern of Food Recalls
This latest recall follows a concerning pattern of similar incidents affecting major British retailers. Just weeks ago, The Jolly Hog recalled its Leek Porkers sausages from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons after discovering undeclared milk in products with a use-by date of 28 September 2025. The 400g packets were swiftly removed from shelves, with the FSA confirming the products posed a health risk to those with milk allergies.
Earlier this year, Boundless recalled their Sour Cream and Onion Flavour Chips for the same reason, whilst Asda pulled its Extra Special Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps after a packaging error resulted in Cheese & Onion crisps being placed in the wrong packets, again creating an undeclared milk risk.
Food safety experts emphasise that these recalls, whilst concerning, demonstrate that the system for identifying and addressing food safety issues is working effectively. The FSA maintains strict protocols for food labelling, particularly regarding allergens, which must be clearly declared under UK law.
Understanding Milk Allergies and Intolerances
There are two main types of cow’s milk allergy that affect consumers differently. IgE-mediated reactions occur quickly, typically within minutes to two hours of consumption, and involve the immune system producing antibodies. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may include anaphylaxis.
Non-IgE mediated reactions are delayed, occurring between four and 48 hours after consumption. These typically affect the digestive system and skin, causing symptoms such as eczema flares, colic in babies, reflux, and chronic diarrhoea. Whilst generally less severe than immediate reactions, they can still cause significant discomfort and health issues.
Lactose intolerance, distinct from milk allergy, occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. This condition doesn’t involve the immune system and whilst uncomfortable, doesn’t pose the same severe health risks as a true milk allergy.
Industry Response and Prevention Measures
The food industry faces ongoing challenges in preventing allergen contamination and mislabelling. Cross-contamination during manufacturing, human error in packaging, and supply chain complexities all contribute to the risk of undeclared allergens appearing in products.
Following this latest incident, industry experts are calling for enhanced quality control measures and more rigorous testing protocols. The British Retail Consortium has emphasised that whilst recalls are relatively rare considering the millions of food products sold daily, each incident represents a serious failure that could have fatal consequences.
Food manufacturers are increasingly investing in allergen management systems, including dedicated production lines for allergen-free products, enhanced staff training, and improved labelling technology to reduce human error. However, challenges remain, particularly for smaller manufacturers who may lack the resources for comprehensive allergen control systems.
Consumer Vigilance Essential
The FSA advises consumers with food allergies to remain vigilant and always check product labels carefully, even on familiar products, as recipes and manufacturing processes can change. The agency recommends signing up for allergy alerts through their website to receive immediate notification of recalls affecting allergen-sensitive individuals.
Parents of children with milk allergies are particularly urged to check their cupboards for the affected One Stop crisps, as children may not recognise the danger themselves. Schools and childcare providers have also been alerted to the recall to ensure affected products aren’t inadvertently given to allergic children.
Those who suspect they may have consumed the affected product and are experiencing allergic symptoms should seek medical advice immediately. Even mild reactions should be taken seriously, as the severity of allergic responses can vary and may worsen with repeated exposure.
Legal Requirements and Enforcement
Under UK food labelling laws, all major allergens must be clearly declared on product packaging. The list of declarable allergens includes milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, cereals containing gluten, soybeans, celery, mustard, lupin, and sulphur dioxide.
Failure to properly declare allergens can result in significant penalties for food businesses, including prosecution, unlimited fines, and imprisonment in serious cases. The FSA and local authorities have powers to enforce immediate product recalls and can require businesses to implement corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
Wider Recall Impact
Beyond the immediate health risks, product recalls carry significant financial and reputational costs for retailers and manufacturers. Industry estimates suggest that a single recall can cost companies hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost sales, disposal costs, and administrative expenses, not including potential legal liabilities if consumers are harmed.
One Stop’s swift response to this incident, including the no-receipt refund policy and comprehensive store communications, reflects best practice in recall management. Quick action can help minimise health risks whilst maintaining consumer trust, though the long-term reputational impact remains to be seen.
The convenience store sector, already facing challenges from changing shopping habits and economic pressures, can ill afford safety scandals that might drive customers to larger supermarket chains with potentially more robust quality control systems.
What Consumers Should Do
Anyone who has purchased One Stop Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Hand Cooked Crisps with the affected best before dates should immediately check their cupboards and dispose of the product if they have a milk allergy or intolerance. Those without dairy allergies can safely consume the product, as the milk itself doesn’t pose a general food safety risk.
Affected customers should return the product to any One Stop store, where staff will provide a full refund without requiring a receipt. The FSA emphasises that even opened packets will be refunded, as consumer safety takes priority over normal return policies.
For those seeking additional information or with specific concerns, One Stop has not provided a dedicated customer helpline for this recall, but customers can contact their local store directly or visit the FSA website for updated information.
As food recalls become increasingly common in our complex global food system, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of allergen management and the potentially fatal consequences when systems fail. For the thousands of Britons living with severe food allergies, each trip to the shops requires constant vigilance, and recalls like this underscore why that caution remains absolutely essential.
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