Huge pizza chain issues urgent warning to customers over popular dip feared to be contaminated

A MAJOR pizza chain has issued an urgent warning to customers after fears over contaminated popular dips.

The global restaurant company, with more than 450 branches across the UK, was forced to stop serving the much-loved condiments.

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Papa Johns issued the warning over two products amid health fears and allergy risks.

Its Garlic and Herb Dip, and their Vegan Ranch Dressing were pulled as they may contain traces of peanuts.

A Papa Johns spokesman said: “At Papa Johns, customer safety is our top priority.

“Certain batches of our Garlic and Herb Dip and our Vegan Ranch Dressing may contain traces of peanuts. Our 25g dips are included with pizzas, and we recently introduced a 100g version. If you have a peanut allergy, please do not consume these dips and dispose of them.

“Our Vegan Ranch Dressing, used on products, may also contain traces of peanuts. If you have a peanut allergy, please avoid these items.

“We are working quickly to resolve this issue. In the meantime, we will replace the Garlic and Herb Dip with our Special Garlic Dip, which is unaffected.

“For any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@papajohns.co.uk.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

Fellow industry titan, Domino’s, was forced to make the same announcement last month.

Two Domino’s dip flavours are among the recalled items: the Domino’s Garlic & Herb Dip and the Honey & Mustard one.

Domino’s previously urged those with a peanut allergy to dispose of the dips mentioned on the recall alert and avoid consuming them.

The fast-food chain apologised for any concern this may cause and recommended that customers with queries visit their contact form here.

A Domino’s spokesman said: “At Domino’s Pizza, the quality of our products and the safety of our customers is the highest priority, particularly when it comes to allergens.

“We have become aware that some of our Garlic & Herb and Honey & Mustard dip may contain traces of peanut.

“This issue may impact both our 100g ‘Big Dip’ pots and the smaller, 25g, pots we provide with our pizzas.

“If you DO HAVE A PEANUT ALLERGY, please dispose of the dips and do not consume them.

“If you DO NOT have a peanut allergy, no further action is required.”

It comes as the Food Standards Agency has issued a number of alerts for food products containing mustard powder, imported from India, which may have been contaminated with peanuts.

The food watchdog recalled dozens of foods and condiments they had reason to believe might be with peanuts not listed on the label.

Sold under various brand names and across a range of stores, recalled dips, sandwiches and salads contain mustard, which may have traces of peanuts.

“This means these products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts,” the Food Standard Agency (FSA) said.

“If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy to peanuts, do not eat them.”

The alert was first issued when the food watchdog urged Brits with peanut allergies to avoid all mustard-containing products while they determined the source of the contamination.

Since then, they have published a full list of 64 products they believe have been contaminated, which was updated yesterday to include the Thiccc Sauce Meat Candy & Thiccc Sauce BBQ Sriracha.

Sold in convenience stores and off-licences, a number of SPAR sandwiches, wraps and pasta salads have been pulled from shelves too.

Other items included on the recent recall alert that may contain traces of peanuts include Fazilas wraps and Clayton Park sandwiches.

Peanut allergies are particularly common, affecting about one in 50 children in the UK, increasing in recent decades, according to Allergy UK.

Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, said: “This remains a complex investigation, and we are continuing to work with Food Standards Scotland, relevant businesses, local authorities, and agencies to ensure the necessary measures are in place to protect consumers.

“While our investigations continue our advice remains the same: people with a peanut allergy should continue to avoid consuming all foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard seeds, mustard powder or mustard flour.

“Our current focus is to ensure all affected products have been withdrawn and recalled.

“Once this has taken place, we are confident we’ll be in a position to remove some of our additional advice for consumers, so they can continue to enjoy food that is safe and trust the product label and information accurately reflects the allergenic content.

“Until this happens it’s very important that people with a peanut allergy continue to avoid any product containing mustard or mustard ingredients.”