Shoppers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland face safety concerns this week following contamination discoveries in popular herbs at Dunnes Stores.
The retailer has initiated recalls for multiple batches of dried herbs after authorities identified foreign materials that pose a danger within the packaging.
The contaminated items include pieces of blue plastic alongside large fragments of natural stalk and bark, creating a potential choking risk for consumers.
This discovery has prompted immediate action from both the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
Affected products include Dunnes Stores Sage in 10g packs, with batch codes L25279228, L25280228, L25307228, and L25308228, all of which carry a June 2027 best-before date.
The Herbes de Provence line faces similar issues, with 14g packs bearing batch code L25315225 and September 2027 best-before dates requiring immediate removal from shelves.
These specific batches represent the full scope of contaminated herbs identified by regulators, meaning other herbs sold at Dunnes Stores are safe to eat.
Two herbs sold at Dunnes Stores may be contaminated with plastic, stalk, and bark
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FSAI
Both branches of the Irish retail chain have been instructed to withdraw all affected items from sale immediately and display prominent recall notifications at checkout areas.
The FSA warned that “these products may contain pieces of blue plastic and large pieces of stalk and bark which present choking hazards and make them unsafe to eat.”
The contamination prompted a swift regulatory response, with the FSAI stating that Dunnes Stores has extended its recall to include the above batch of Dunnes Stores Herbes De Provence due to the possible presence of foreign bodies.
Shoppers should return the affected products to Dunnes Stores immediately
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PAThe FSA has advised customers: “If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.”
The contamination discovery arrives during peak shopping periods, raising concerns among shoppers doing their Christmas prep.
Dunnes’ recall comes just days after mince pie treats were declared unsafe due to an undeclared ingredient.
Almonds were discovered in the product, posing a serious risk to those with tree nut allergies.
Allergy sufferers were advised to follow the typical recall process: avoid consuming the product, and return it to their point of sale for a full refund.
Food recalls should always be taken seriously to ensure consumer safety. For the most up-to-date alerts, UK shoppers can consult the FSA, while Irish shoppers can consult the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
About product recalls and withdrawals
The FSA explained: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).
“The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.
“In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.”