Morrisons Recalls Jolly Hog Product Over Milk Allergen; Asda Urges Customers to Avoid Duck Spring Rolls

On September 18, 2025, Morrisons launched a product recall for a Jolly Hog item sold in its stores after discovering an undeclared milk allergen — a serious risk for the estimated 300,000 UK adults with milk allergies. The affected product, labeled with a use-by date of September 28, 2025, was pulled despite that date having passed more than two months ago. As of November 29, 2025, the recall remains active on Morrisons’ website, a curious persistence that suggests either a lingering inventory concern or a procedural oversight. Customers are told: “If you have purchased this product, please do not eat it and return it to us for a full refund. We don’t need a receipt.” Oddly, the recall page opens with the line: “Rest assured, there are no recalls affecting our products at this time,” before listing the exact product under review — a contradiction that undermines consumer trust.

How a Milk Allergen Slipped Through

Milk is one of the top eight allergens regulated by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA). Undeclared allergens are among the most common reasons for food recalls in Britain, often stemming from cross-contamination during manufacturing or mislabeling by third-party suppliers. In this case, Jolly Hog, the manufacturer, appears to have failed to properly declare milk in the ingredient list — even though it was present. Morrisons, as the retailer, is responsible for communicating the recall, but the root cause lies upstream. The fact that this product made it onto shelves — and stayed there past its use-by date — raises questions about supply chain monitoring. Retailers like Morrisons rely on manufacturers to provide accurate labels, but when those labels are wrong, the burden falls on the consumer to spot the danger.

What’s particularly concerning is that milk allergies can trigger anaphylaxis — a life-threatening reaction — even from trace amounts. A 2024 FSA report found that 72% of allergen-related recalls in the UK involved products manufactured by third parties, not the retailers themselves. This isn’t just a labeling error; it’s a systemic vulnerability. And while Morrisons says “no other products are affected,” the broader pattern suggests this isn’t an isolated incident.

Asda’s Urgent ‘Do Not Eat’ Warning

Just days after the Morrisons recall gained attention, Asda issued its own emergency alert on November 28, 2025, for a batch of “10 Mini Duck Spring Rolls with ...” — a festive snack likely targeted at holiday gatherings. The warning, reported by LADbible, instructed customers to immediately stop eating the product. Unlike the Morrisons recall, however, Asda has not disclosed the reason for the alert. No batch numbers. No use-by dates. No explanation of whether it’s an allergen, bacterial contamination, or foreign object. That lack of transparency is alarming.

“Do not eat” warnings are reserved for the most serious risks — think listeria, salmonella, or undeclared peanuts. The fact that Asda didn’t specify the hazard leaves consumers guessing. Were the spring rolls contaminated during production? Did a supplier use an unapproved ingredient? The silence speaks louder than the warning. With the holiday season in full swing, these snacks were likely stocked in stores nationwide. Parents buying them for children’s parties, elderly shoppers grabbing festive treats — all now in limbo.

Why This Matters Beyond the Shelf

These two recalls — one quiet, one urgent — reveal a deeper truth: the UK’s food safety net is fraying under the weight of complex supply chains and seasonal demand. Manufacturers like Jolly Hog operate on tight margins, often outsourcing production or using shared facilities. A single batch of sauce, a shared conveyor belt, a mislabeled container — any of these can trigger a recall. Meanwhile, supermarkets like Morrisons and Asda, eager to offer low prices and wide selections, have little direct control over what’s inside the packaging.

And yet, when something goes wrong, it’s the consumer who pays the price — not just in money, but in health. One in 20 children in the UK has a food allergy. For them, a missed allergen isn’t a paperwork error — it’s a potential emergency room visit. The FSA’s recent push for digital traceability (using QR codes on packaging) is a step forward, but it’s still voluntary. Most small manufacturers can’t afford the tech.

What’s worse, the Morrisons recall page still lists the product — even though its use-by date expired in late September. That’s not just confusing; it’s dangerous. If someone finds the product in their pantry now, they might assume it’s safe because “it’s been recalled already.” But recalls don’t expire. The risk remains.

What Happens Next?

Consumers are advised to check their freezers and pantries. If you bought the Jolly Hog product from Morrisons — or the duck spring rolls from Asda — return them immediately. No receipt needed. Both chains are offering full refunds. But beyond the refund, there’s a bigger question: will regulators step in?

The FSA has not yet issued a public statement on either recall, though internal investigations are likely underway. Expect a formal investigation into Jolly Hog’s labeling practices, and possibly an audit of Asda’s supplier vetting process. If either company has a history of similar issues, penalties could follow. But history shows little consequence for first-time offenders. In 2023, a major UK retailer recalled 12,000 units over undeclared nuts — and faced no fine. The system punishes consumers, not corporations.

Meanwhile, shoppers are left to navigate the chaos. The solution? Stay informed. Bookmark the Food Standards Agency recall page. Check your receipts. And if you’re ever unsure — don’t eat it. Better safe than sorry.