Urgent recall issued for popular chocolate snacks with 'do not consume' warning

A number of products containing dark chocolate have been recalled because they may contain milk not mentioned on the label. The Bare Pantry issued a recall notice for raisins, almonds, pretzels, hazelnuts, cashews and Brazil nuts coated in dark chocolate over fears they could trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to milk.

Around 2-3% of babies suffer from allergies to cow's milk, although most outgrow it during childhood. Up to one in 10 adults are thought to be lactose intolerant, meaning their body cannot digest the sugar which is found in milk products.

Customers who have an allergy or intolerance were urged not to eat the product and to return it to the store where they purchased it.

A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency said: "If you have bought the above products and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, do not consume them."

The recall applies to the following products with any best before dates:

• Dark Chocolate Almonds, 170g
• Dark Chocolate Pretzels, 90g
• Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts, 170g
• Dark Chocolate Cashews, 140g
• Dark Chocolate Brazils, 170g

Milk allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in milk as a threat.

Symptoms include hives, swelling, vomiting, and breathing difficulties, which typically occur within a few minutes of consuming milk.

Allergies can sometimes be treated with antihistamine drugs and managed by avoiding milk products.

In serious cases, exposure to milk can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.