Tesco Recalls Vegan ‘Melt in the Middle’ Burgers Over Burn Risk
Tesco has issued a recall for its “melt in the middle” vegan burgers due to concerns that the product may pose a burn risk to consumers. The supermarket giant is urging customers who have purchased the Tesco Plant Chef 2 Meat-Free Burgers with Melting Middle not to eat them and to return the product to the store for a full refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has supported the recall as a precautionary measure, highlighting that the burger’s centre, made from mustard and gherkins, “may maintain a high temperature once cooked,” which could cause burns when bitten into.
The product has been on shelves since at least late June, with some customers previously noting the extreme heat of the filling. A vegan blog that shared a photo of the burgers sparked comments from consumers who described the centre as being “like eating the sun” and “molten lava.”
The FSA regularly issues alerts for food products that pose health risks, either requiring them to be withdrawn from shelves or recalled from customers. In this case, Tesco has opted for a recall, ensuring customer safety by offering refunds to those who return the product.
The burgers, which are made from fava bean and pea protein, are described on the packaging as “succulent and tangy” with an “American style mustard and gherkin melt.” Despite the flavorful description, the potential risk of burns has led to their removal from stores until the issue is resolved.
