Aldi has recalled Gianni’s Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream from shelves after discovering the product contains wheat (gluten), an allergen not declared on the packaging.
The 500ml tubs, which carry a best-before date of August 14, 2027 and barcode 4088600275871, pose a potential danger to customers with gluten intolerance, coeliac disease, or a wheat allergy.
The safety alert was initiated on October 10 after the supplier identified the labelling error.
Aldi warned shoppers: “Do not consume the product if you have an allergy or intolerance to wheat.”
Instead, affected shoppers should return it to any Aldi store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
As well as recalling the product from existing customers, Aldi confirmed it has also removed all impacted stock from stores nationwide.
Those seeking additional information or assistance can reach Aldi at 0800 042 0800 or fill out a dedicated web form.
Gianni’s Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream contains undeclared wheat (gluten)
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ALDI
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) echoed Aldi’s advice, urging those with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or a wheat allergy to avoid the product.
Officials emphasised that the presence of undeclared wheat could pose a “possible health risk” to these people.
Affected shoppers should return the product to any Aldi store for a full refund
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ALDI
While coeliac disease and gluten intolerance are both gluten sensitivities, they are very different medical conditions. Bupa explained what each means for sufferers.
Coeliac disease
“Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your body when you eat gluten,” according to the health insurance provider.
“Symptoms may include diarrhoea, tummy cramps, bloating, and flatulence (passing excess wind), weight loss, and fatigue.
“Those who have coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet.”
Gluten intolerance
“Gluten intolerance is when your body reacts badly to gluten.
“Gluten intolerance symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and coeliac disease.
“Those who are gluten intolerant should follow a gluten-free diet to avoid symptoms, but small amounts of gluten may be tolerated.”
Wheat allergy
Reactions to wheat may also be caused by a wheat allergy. According to Allergy UK, an IgE-mediated (immediate allergy) is most common in children, although adults can also develop it.
Symptoms of an IgE-mediated wheat allergy can occur from within minutes to up to two hours after ingestion.
These include rhinitis, asthma, hives (urticaria), swelling (angio-oedema), vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and a flare-up of eczema.
The most serious type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which should always be treated as a medical emergency.
The ice cream incident at Aldi follows another allergen labelling failure involving Jack’s Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Hand Cooked Crisps.
The 120g packets were recently recalled after milk was discovered in the product despite not being listed on the packaging.
Customers with milk allergies have been instructed not to consume the product and to return it to the point of purchase for a complete refund.