Unilever withdraws Slimfast bars

Some packs have been packed into incorrect boxes, and the presence of wheat and oats (gluten) and peanuts are not mentioned on the label, said the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

This may make the products a possible health risk for people with a peanut, wheat, oats or gluten allergy or intolerance.

All date and batch codes of Slimfast 4 x Chocolate Crunch Flavour Meal Bar (240g), Slimfast 4 x Chocolate Peanut Flavour Meal Bar (224g) and Slimfast 4 x Summer Berry Flavour Meal Bar (240g) are affected.

Packed into incorrect boxes​

Unilever said if the variant description on the wrapper is the same as on the outer box the product can be eaten as normal.

“Quality checks have revealed that a small number of Slimfast Meal Bars have been packed into incorrect boxes and therefore the allergen information on packs regarding peanut and gluten may not match the product.​

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and co-operation in this matter.”​

The RASFF portal said the products had been distributed to the UK, Spain and Malta.  

Customer advice​

Customers are advised to check the writing on the wrappers of the bar. If there is a different variety on the wrapper compared to the box, customers at risk are advised not to eat the implicated bar(s).

The company has withdrawn the products from sale and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the withdrawal.

If you have bought the products and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat, oats, gluten and/or an allergy to peanut, do not eat it, said the FSA.

Our sister publication, FoodNavigator.com, reported last month​ that Unilever hinted at the sale of brands including SlimFast as growth from its food business struggled to compete with better-than-expected Q1 results in other divisions.

Unilever said it will be undertaking a strategic review of brands including SlimFast.