**Urgent Recall Issued for Beef Lasagne Over Unexpected Allergen Risk at Major UK Supermarkets**
A widespread food recall has been announced after a labelling error raised concerns over possible shellfish contamination in a popular ready meal. Two of the UK’s leading supermarkets, Tesco and Morrisons, have recalled packs of La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne over fears they may contain prawns and lobster, neither of which are mentioned on the packaging’s list of ingredients.
The oversight was flagged by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which immediately issued a consumer warning following the discovery. The advisory notice, published on 8 May 2025, highlights that individuals with allergies to crustaceans could be at significant risk if they consume the affected product. The FSA’s statement urged, “If you have bought the product and have an allergy to crustaceans, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund, with or without a receipt.”
Products affected by the recall are 700g packs of Giovanni Rana (UK) Ltd’s La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne. These are identified by the batch code L0B510816 and carry a use-by date of 17 June 2025. Both Tesco and Morrisons have displayed recall notices in-store and on their websites, alerting customers to the potential health risk.
Unintentional introduction of seafood ingredients into foods that are not typically associated with such allergens is a serious matter. For those living with allergies to shellfish, even minute traces can provoke severe reactions. According to Allergy UK, crustacean allergies are amongst the 14 key allergens that must be declared by law on food packaging in the UK. Experts warn that symptoms can vary, ranging from mild rashes and swelling to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis, which may cause breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.
Whilst most people are not affected by shellfish, the consequences for those who are allergic can be grave. Reactions may result almost immediately after exposure, and the unpredictability of an undeclared ingredient only magnifies the risk. The FSA and allergy support groups stress that checking food labels thoroughly is a crucial measure for anyone managing food allergies. For this reason, errors such as the one currently affecting Giovanni Rana’s product are treated with the utmost urgency.
Tesco and Morrisons are cooperating with authorities and the manufacturer to investigate how the labelling issue arose. Both retailers have reassured the public that affected products have been removed from shelves. They are contacting customers who may have purchased the items, as part of their standard protocol in such incidents.
Cases such as this serve as a reminder to both businesses and consumers of the importance of vigilance in the food supply chain. The strict regulation around food labelling in the UK is intended to protect vulnerable groups, but inadvertent lapses can and do occur. Food safety agencies encourage anyone with concerns to stay informed via recall alerts and to report any adverse reaction after consumption of a suspect food item.
In the meantime, anyone who has purchased the identified lasagne batch is encouraged to return it immediately to their point of purchase for a complete refund. No proof of purchase is required. For further details, customers are advised to visit the official websites of Tesco, Morrisons, or the Food Standards Agency.
This developing story not only highlights ongoing challenges faced by the food manufacturing sector but also underscores the crucial role of clear communication in public health emergencies. As always, the incident will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of industry standards and prevention mechanisms to help ensure such lapses remain rare.