Dirk warns: ‘bowl of walnuts contains walnuts’
Allergen information is incredibly important; I think everyone agrees on that. Because when you have a severe allergy, for example to nuts, you really want to know whether that chocolate bar or those crackers contain traces of nuts — so it is crucial and even a matter of life and death that this kind of information is included.
Unfortunately, allergens are still not often listed on Dutch hospitality menus (only two-thirds do so), but hopefully this will become increasingly common in the coming years. There is just one caveat, in my opinion: you also have to keep thinking for yourself. (This is generally useful in life anyway.)
‘Don’t eat this if you have a (tree) nut allergy’
Dirk was in an uproar and announced that all shelled walnuts were being removed from the shelves immediately. Such a recall happens more often, for example when something is wrong with the product (this week, Jumbo recalled all Easter stollen from its shelves), but I found this reason rather remarkable… They had forgotten to put something on the label: that the product contained walnuts. This could mean that people with a (tree) nut allergy might eat them after all and end up in serious trouble.
And then I think: surely people can think for themselves at least a little? If I had a (tree) nut allergy, I wouldn’t be quick to put a bowl of shelled walnuts in my shopping basket — whether it was stated on a label or not. I assume that if you are so allergic to something, you know what it looks like and you are not going to double-check the allergens on the label to see whether this is actually the product. It’s good that Dirk takes immediate action when something is wrong, but this is almost insulting to the way they assess their customers…
Wondering what you can do if you have an allergic reaction without it being listed anywhere? We looked into it for you.
Safety warning: Dirk warns about 1Bite Shelled walnuts. After inspection, it was found that the allergen walnut is not listed on the packaging. Do not eat the nuts if you have a walnut allergy. https://t.co/646Ei8yjSE pic.twitter.com/if1fKCLIdm
— Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (@_NVWA) March 6, 2024
Also read:
- You don’t have an allergy, you’re just a whiner
- Fruit allergy? Try these tips
- 19x allergy-proof desserts
Image: Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenauthoriteit
