Urgent recall issued for Jolly Hog sausages sold at major UK supermarkets over undeclared milk allergen

An urgent recall has been issued for The Jolly Hog Leek Porkers sausages after milk was found to be undeclared on the label. The 400g packs, part of the Leek Porkers 6 British Sausages range, were sold at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons and have a use-by date of 28 September 2025.

The Food Standards Agency said the undeclared milk could pose a health risk for anyone with a milk allergy or intolerance, with reactions ranging from skin irritation and stomach upset to more severe outcomes such as anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. In severe cases, exposure to cow’s milk can lead to a life-threatening reaction that may involve a drop in blood pressure, throat swelling and loss of consciousness within minutes.

The Jolly Hog stated: "If you have bought the above product with the date affected and have a milk allergy, we advise you not to eat them." The company added: "Customers are asked to bring to their nearest store and a full refund will be issued for the product. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation." The affected product is The Jolly Hog Leek Porkers 6 British Sausages, 400g, with a use-by date of 28 September 2025. The Jolly Hog has issued point-of-sale notices to inform customers why the product is being recalled and what to do if they have bought it.

The recall follows a Food Standards Agency alert that was issued when an allergen declaration was missing or incorrect, creating a risk to consumers with milk allergies. The Jolly Hog has also been advised to contact allergy support organizations to inform their members about the incident. Consumers seeking more information were told to contact the company at info@thejollyhog.com, and the FSA’s alert advised shoppers to reference food.gov.uk/news-alerts for full details.

Allergen labeling has become a critical safety issue in the United Kingdom. Milk is among the most common allergens cited for children, and even trace amounts can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals. The case echoes debates surrounding Natasha’s Law, which was enacted after a 2016 tragedy linked to undeclared sesame in a pre-packaged baguette. Natasha’s Law requires clearer labeling of common allergens on pre-packaged foods and has shaped ongoing industry practice and enforcement.

Public health authorities continue to stress that recalls and withdrawals are issued not only when a product is unsafe for the majority of consumers but also when specific constituents are undeclared or mislabeled. Shoppers are urged to check labels for allergen information before purchasing and to follow recall notices promptly. In cases of suspected exposure, individuals experiencing symptoms such as hives, wheezing, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of impending doom should seek urgent medical attention.

For those who purchased the recalled sausages, retailers recommend returning the product to the point of purchase for a full refund. The incident underscores the ongoing importance of accurate allergen labeling and ongoing vigilance by manufacturers, retailers and regulatory bodies alike. Consumers with questions can contact The Jolly Hog’s customer care team at info@thejollyhog.com, and updates from the Food Standards Agency can be found on food.gov.uk/news-alerts.