Allergy alertFSA
Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns recalled over undeclared gluten
Waitrose & Partners are recalling Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns because the product contains barley which is not declared on the label.
Point-of-sale notice published with the recall
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns 4 x Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns
- Best beforeOn the lid, base or back of the pack.
- 06 June 2026
What to do now
The label on Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns does not tell people about the gluten it contains. For everyone else the product is safe to eat; for people with an allergy to gluten, it is not.
- If you are allergic to or intolerant of gluten, do not eat it.
- Make sure children, carers and anyone you shop for know not to eat it.
- Take it back to Waitrose and ask for a refund.
- Only the packs listed below are affected, so check your pack before throwing it away.
Why it matters. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, and often in oats unless they are labelled gluten-free. It matters for people with coeliac disease as well as those with a wheat allergy.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- an itchy, tingling mouth
- a raised itchy rash (hives)
- swelling of the lips, face or eyes
- stomach pain or being sick
Get help urgently
- swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, feeling faint, or collapse — use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one and call 999, saying it is anaphylaxis
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
The quickest route is to take the pack, or a photo of its label, back to the shop. Most retailers refund recalled products without proof of purchase.
If a shop refuses, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline in Northern Ireland (0300 123 6262) can tell you what to do next.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-AA-29-2026). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Waitrose & Partners are recalling Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns because the product contains barley which is not declared on the label.
The risk
Barley
This product contains barley making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to barley.
Action taken
Waitrose & Partners are recalling the above product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. These notices explain 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.
Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to barley do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. No receipt required. For more information, please contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, option 4.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns been recalled?
The label on Waitrose & Partners 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns does not tell people about the gluten it contains. For everyone else the product is safe to eat; for people with an allergy to gluten, it is not. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, and often in oats unless they are labelled gluten-free. It matters for people with coeliac disease as well as those with a wheat allergy.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the best before on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
If you are allergic to or intolerant of gluten, do not eat it. Make sure children, carers and anyone you shop for know not to eat it.
Can I get a refund?
The quickest route is to take the pack, or a photo of its label, back to the shop. Most retailers refund recalled products without proof of purchase. If a shop refuses, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline in Northern Ireland (0300 123 6262) can tell you what to do next.
Is it safe for people without this allergy?
Yes. An allergy alert means the label is wrong for people who must avoid gluten. If nobody in your home is allergic to or intolerant of gluten, the product is not otherwise unsafe, although you can still return it.
