20 May 2021

WH Smith is recalling Simpleas Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar Pea Snacks because they contain barley, oats and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with coeliac disease and/or an allergy or intolerance to barley, and/or oats and/or wheat (gluten).

Product details

Simpleas Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar Pea Snacks
Pack size: 23g
Batch code: 119 21
Best before: 29 April 2022
Risk statement: Allergen(s): Barley, oats and wheat (gluten)

This product contains barley, oats and wheat (gluten) making it a possible health risk for anyone with coeliac disease and/or an allergy or intolerance to barley, and/or oats and/or wheat or gluten.

Action taken by the company

WH Smith is recalling the above product from customers and have been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. Company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. This notice explains to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.

Customer notice: Simpleas Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar Pea Snacks

Our advice to consumers

If you have bought the above product and have coeliac disease and/or an allergy or intolerance to barley, and/or oats, and/or wheat or gluten, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

Eating gluten by accident

If you have coeliac disease and eat gluten by mistake, you would usually start to have symptoms a few hours after eating it and the symptoms can last from a few hours to several days. The effects vary from person to person and depend on how much gluten you’ve eaten, how sensitive you are and how long you have been on a gluten free diet.

If you make the occasional mistake and eat gluten by accident, it’s unlikely to cause lasting gut damage. It's a learning process and we can support you and help you because we understand what you are going through. Our helpline is staffed with dietitians and food experts who are here to help you with advice and support. Call us on 0333 332 2033.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you have diarrhoea or you are vomiting, it’s important to keep yourself well hydrated by drinking lots of water. Some people find that taking medication to treat constipation, diarrhoea or headaches can ease symptoms, but check with your pharmacist or GP.

The most important thing is to get back onto your gluten free diet to try to prevent further symptoms. If your symptoms are very severe or do not improve, speak to your GP.