Waitrose has recalled its Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns as they may be unsafe to eat for some customers.
The buns contain barley, which is not declared on the label, making them a health risk for anyone with an allergy.
The affected products have a best before date of June 6.
Thursday 4th June – Waitrose & Partners recalls Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns because of undeclared barley #FoodAllergy https://t.co/Cgs0q54WNP pic.twitter.com/kRM0koiQHb
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 4, 2026
An FSA spokesman said: “Waitrose & Partners are recalling the above product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
“These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to barley do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. No receipt required.
“For more information, please contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, option 4.”
A Waitrose spokesman added: “We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.”
What is a product recall?
If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).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 Withdrawal Information Notices and 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 actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.
