Waitrose and Asda shoppers are being urged to check their pantries as Kelly Loves Sushi Ginger has been recalled due to potential glass contamination. The 150ml jars from batch UK12019, with a best before date of 09 February 2026, must be returned to stores for a full refund. The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning that consuming these products poses serious health risks. Waitrose has apologized for the inconvenience caused, emphasizing customer safety as their primary concern.
Critical Details About the Kelly Loves Sushi Ginger Recall
On March 14, 2025, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued Product Recall Information Notice FSA-PRIN-10-2025 regarding Kelly Loves Sushi Ginger. The specific product affected is the 150ml jar from batch UK12019 with a best before date of 09 February 2026. This popular condiment, commonly served alongside sushi dishes, has been identified as potentially containing glass fragments.
Both Waitrose and Asda have taken immediate action by placing point-of-sale notices in their stores to inform customers. These notices explain why the product is being recalled and instruct shoppers on what to do if they’ve purchased the affected item. The risk statement plainly states: “This product may contain pieces of glass which makes it unsafe to eat.”
Consumers who have purchased this product should not consume it under any circumstances. Instead, they should return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund. Importantly, no receipt is required for this refund, making the return process as straightforward as possible for concerned customers.
For additional information or concerns, customers can contact Waitrose Customer Care at 0800 188 884, Option 4. Waitrose issued a statement saying, “We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.” This recall follows other recent food safety issues involving improper allergen labeling across the industry.
Understanding the Dangers of Glass in Food Products
Glass contamination represents one of the most hazardous foreign materials that can be found in food products. Unlike some contaminants, glass can cause severe physical injuries including lacerations to the mouth, throat, and internal organs if ingested. Additionally, glass fragments may harbor harmful bacteria, creating a dual threat of physical trauma and potential infection.
The most common type of glass found in contamination incidents is soda-lime glass, which has a density of 2.54 g/cm³. This type accounts for approximately 90% of all glass produced and is frequently used in food packaging and processing environments. Its prevalence in food production facilities makes it a primary contamination concern for safety specialists.
Food manufacturers employ various detection methods to identify glass contamination before products reach consumers. X-ray inspection systems have proven particularly effective for detecting glass in food products, as they can identify materials with different densities within packaged items. These sophisticated systems can detect fragments as small as 2mm in some applications.
To further reduce risks, many food producers are actively minimizing the use of glass in their production environments. This preventative approach includes replacing glass equipment with plastic alternatives and implementing strict protocols for handling glass when it must be present. Recent FDA food safety rule updates have also emphasized the importance of foreign material prevention in manufacturing facilities.
Other Recent Food Recalls Due to Contamination
The Kelly Loves Sushi Ginger recall is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Several other products have been recalled in recent months due to various contamination issues. Newcastle Brown Ale 550ml bottles with a best before date of 30/11/2025 were recalled due to potential glass fragments that could pose serious health risks to consumers.
Crosta & Mollica Sugo Alla Norma Pasta Sauce (340g) with a best before date of 08/01/2027 was also removed from shelves after reports of possible glass presence in the product. In a different type of contamination case, Magnum Almond Ice Cream Sticks with a best before date of 12/2025 were recalled due to the possible presence of plastic and metal pieces.
Waitrose customers faced another glass contamination issue with Waitrose Pitted Spanish Queen Olives Drained 113g with a best before date of DEC 2025. This pattern of recalls highlights an ongoing industry challenge that has prompted increased investment in advanced detection technologies. The food industry has seen a concerning trend in foodborne illness cases that often correlate with contamination issues.
For consumers, staying informed about food recalls is crucial for maintaining health and safety. I recommend signing up for FSA food alert notifications and regularly checking retailers’ websites for updates on product recalls. Many supermarkets also provide this information prominently in their stores and through customer loyalty programs.
How Contamination Occurs in Food Processing
Understanding how glass and other foreign materials enter food products helps explain why these contamination events continue to occur despite rigorous safety measures. In manufacturing facilities, glass contamination typically happens during processing when glass containers break or when glass components of machinery fail. The high-speed nature of modern food production lines can sometimes make immediate detection challenging.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in contamination risks. Vibrations from machinery, temperature fluctuations, and physical impacts can all contribute to glass breakage in production environments. Even with the most careful handling procedures, the possibility of contamination remains a constant concern for food manufacturers.
Human error represents another potential source of contamination. Despite training and safety protocols, accidents can happen, especially in facilities where glass containers or instruments are regularly handled. This is why many food safety experts advocate for removing glass entirely from production areas whenever possible.
Preventative measures have become increasingly sophisticated, with many facilities implementing multiple redundant systems to catch potential contaminants. These include visual inspections, metal detectors, X-ray systems, and optical sorting technologies. The recall of dessert products due to safety concerns has highlighted the need for these multi-layered approaches to food safety.
Consumer Safety Recommendations
If you discover you’ve purchased the affected Kelly Loves Sushi Ginger or any recalled product, take immediate action. Stop using the product immediately and secure it away from curious children or other family members who might inadvertently consume it. Check the batch number (UK12019) and best before date (09 February 2026) to confirm if your product is affected.
Return the product to the store where you purchased it as soon as possible. Both Waitrose and Asda have confirmed that no receipt is necessary to receive a full refund for this recalled item. If you’ve already consumed some of the product and are concerned about possible glass ingestion, monitor for symptoms like unexplained pain or discomfort and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
For added peace of mind, I recommend inspecting all food products before consumption, particularly jarred items. Look for any unusual fragments or inconsistencies in the food. While professional detection systems are highly effective, they aren’t infallible, which makes consumer vigilance an important final safety check.
To stay informed about food safety issues and recalls, consider following the Food Standards Agency on social media or downloading their app. Being proactive about food safety information can help protect you and your family from potential contamination hazards. Recent salmonella outbreaks have reminded many consumers of the importance of staying informed about food safety notices.
Broader Impact on the Food Industry
Food recalls due to contamination create ripple effects throughout the industry. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, companies face significant financial consequences including the direct costs of product recovery, refunds, and disposal. These incidents can damage brand reputation and consumer trust, sometimes taking years to fully recover from – especially for specialty food products like sushi ginger that have specific culinary uses.
The industry has responded by continually improving quality control measures. Many companies now implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems and invest in advanced detection technologies. These proactive approaches aim to identify potential contamination before products leave manufacturing facilities. Foodie enthusiasts and professionals alike recognize the importance of these safety measures in maintaining high-quality products.
Regulatory bodies have also intensified their oversight in response to contamination incidents. The FSA and similar organizations worldwide continue to develop more stringent guidelines for food production. These regulations focus on prevention through improved facility design, handling procedures, and record-keeping requirements.
While recalls represent unfortunate occurrences, they also demonstrate that safety monitoring systems are working effectively. The food industry continues to strive for better prevention techniques, detection capabilities, and rapid response procedures. For consumers researching local dessert options, our business directory offers a curated selection of establishments with strong safety records. Similarly, home chefs can submit their favorite recipes that emphasize safe food handling practices.