Popular condiment recalled over fears it could trigger dangerous reaction in thousands
A POPULAR condiment has been pulled off shelves, with thousands warned they could suffer dangerous reactions if they eat it.
Buyers have been warned not to eat the the product as an ingredient not mentioned on the label could pose a “health risk”.
Bottles of hot honey made by the brand WilderKitchen are being recalled as they could trigger dangerous reactions in people with coeliac disease or a gluten allergy, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned.
“The WilderKitchen is recalling Wilderbee Gochujang Hot Honey because it contains gluten which is not mentioned on the label,” it wrote.
It added the spicy sauce may contain traces of cereal, but the exact kind “is currently unknown”.
As a result, people with coeliac disease – a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues after eating gluten – as well as people with allergies or intolerances to cereals containing gluten have been advised not to consume the product over fears of a “possible health risk”.
Gluten is found in cereals such as wheat, barley and rye, which are used to make bread, cakes and pasta.
According to Coeliac UK, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have coeliac disease but many don’t know it and continue to struggle with unexplained symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation and persistent tiredness.
Gluten sensitivities can cause similar symptoms to coeliac disease, but without the involvement of the immune system.
Meanwhile, people with an allergy to cereals such as wheat may get an immediate reaction from eating it.
For some, this can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Affected batches of the Wilderbee Gochujang Hot Honey have a batch number up to 426 and a ‘best before’ date of May 11, 2026.
Three different pack sizes are being recalled: 260g, 350g, 1.4kg.
The WilderKitchen said in a notice to customers that one of its ingredient suppliers had “made [them] aware of undeclared gluten in certain batches of an ingredient” mixed into batches of the Gochujang Hot Honey.
It added: “As part of our commitment to quality, transparency and safety of our consumers, we are taking a precautionary measure and are acting first as an affected brand, by voluntarily recalling this product while we work to ensure a compliant replacement cab be offered.
“If you have bought Wilderbee Gochujang Hot Honey and you have a sensitivity to gluten, please do not consume this product,” the company warned.
Instead, customers were advised to return the product to the shop they purchased it at for a full refund.
They also have the option of contacting the brand directly at support@wilderkitchenfood.com to arrange a return and refund.
The FSA said the WilderKitchen had also been advised to contact relevant allergy support organisations, who will tell their members about the recall.
Signs you're allergic to gluten
If you’re allergic to wheat – a type of gluten – you might get an immediate reaction to eating it.
Symptoms usually come on quickly and can range from mild to serious.
Mild to moderate symptoms may include:
- A red raised rash known as hives anywhere on the body
- A tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Stomach pain or vomiting
- Sneezing or a blocked nose
A more serious reaction – called anaphylaxis – can be identified by the ABC symptoms:
- AIRWAY – swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways (tightening of the throat, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing)
- BREATHING – sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing
- CIRCULATION – dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, tiredness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness
People with wheat allergies can also get a delayed reaction to eating it, with symptoms such as skin rashes, worsening eczema, and bloating, gas, tummy pain or loose poos appearing hours or days afterwards.
Source: Anaphylaxis UK
If you eat gluten by mistake as a person with coeliac disease, it may trigger symptoms that last several days.
For some, it might not experience any symptoms at all.
The amount of gluten someone eats can affect the degree of gut damage, and your individual sensitivity to gluten affects the symptoms you may or may not experience.
Eating gluten by accident is unlikely to cause any long-term gut damage, although you may suffer from diarrhoea, abdominal pain or vomiting, so it is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
You may find taking medication to treat constipation, diarrhoea or headaches can ease your symptoms.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist for further advice.