MAT Test: Big Promise for Safe, Accurate Food Allergy Diagnosis
Urgent Recall Issued By Waitrose For Chicken Product With Missing Allergy Labels
Urgent recall issued by Waitrose for chicken product with missing allergy labels (Image: Getty/ The Express)The Taste Original Chicken Satay Skewers 96g may be dangerous for those with food allergies due to missing labels.
The supermarket advised: "We are recalling Taste Original Chicken Satay Skewers due to the absence of labelling (undeclared allergens)."
"Do not consume," Waitrose cautioned. Customers are instructed to return the product to any Waitrose & Partners store for a full refund.
The product description on Waitrose's website reads: "Reformed Marinated Chicken with Spices, Cooked onto a Wooden Skewer."
Mustard and soybean are the main allergens listed for the product online, though it is unknown which are missing on some packaging.
The Taste Original Chicken Satay Skewers 96g have been recalled by Waitrose (Image: Waitrose)For additional support, Waitrose Customer Care can be reached at 0800 188 884, Option 4, and Taste Original can be contacted at 01536 463000.
The company expressed regret for the recall and any inconvenience it caused: "We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for any inconvenience caused."
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Allergy UK has highlighted the importance of recognising food allergy symptoms, which can range from mild to severe and usually appear soon after exposure.
Symptoms can include digestive issues and skin reactions and affect various body parts. Respiratory issues, including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness, are also associated with food allergies.
Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, or other body parts can also indicate a food allergy reaction.
More severe side effects include cardiovascular symptoms like a rapid or weak pulse, light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting.
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction that affects multiple systems of the body, characterised by a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides information on allergy alerts and why they are issued.
The Government department stated: "Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold."
Skin Conditions In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, And How To Help
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Credit: Getty Images/kobkik
Skin conditions in dogs are very common, so it's important to recognize the symptoms and understand the factors that cause them.
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, a vet with over 15 years of experience, says she regularly sees four skin conditions in particular: skin allergies, parasites, acute moist dermatitis, and endocrine disease. Issues like parasites can be prevented by using best flea treatment for dogs, while managing allergies might require medication or a change in diet.
Some conditions, like skin allergies, can get worse in the summertime when there are more environmental allergens, like pollen. The best way to protect and help your pup is by spotting the signs and knowing how to manage them.
Below, Dr. MacMillan has explained the causes, symptoms and treatment methods on offer:
The most common skin conditions in dogs 1. Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis)Skin allergies (atopic dermatitis) is a very common condition that affects up to 30% of dogs, according to the journal Vet Sci.
Dr. MacMillan explains that they're usually caused by environmental allergens (grass pollens, tree pollens, house dust mites), but can sometimes be caused by food allergies. To learn the difference between food vs environmental dog allergies, have a read of our helpful guide.
Skin allergies: SymptomsIncreased itchiness
Recurrent ear infections
Scabs
Sores
Inflammation
Thickening of the skin
Pigment changes
Licking paws excessively
Saliva staining the fur, turning it pinky-brown
Scratching, nibbling and licking multiple times a day
Dog scratching behind its ear with back paw
Skin allergies: TreatmentIf your dog has a skin allergy, there are several treatment options available, including allergy medications that can reduce itchiness. According to Dr. MacMillan, these may include oral drugs such as prednisolone (a steroid), oclacitinib, or cyclosporine. You might also find antihistamines helpful.
She says: "More recently we have started using monoclonal antibodies which are given by injection once a month. These specifically target the signals for itchiness and have the advantage of minimal side effects elsewhere in the body.
"Immunotherapy can be utilized for atopic dogs. Blood samples help to identify what your pet is reacting to, then small amounts of these allergens can be given to your dog via regular injections. This is done gradually over time to desensitize your pet, reducing future skin flare-ups."
To improve your dog's overall skin and coat quality, you could try supplementing with essential fatty acids or switching to a specially formulated diet. Changing dog food too suddenly can lead to health issues, so always introduce their new diet slowly and gradually.
If your dog has a food allergy, ensure you're not feeding them any proteins they react to – chicken allergy in dogs is a common culprit!
Dr. MacMillan says: "These dogs are more prone to secondary skin infections (pyoderma or yeast overgrowth) which may also require treatment, such as medicated shampoos and antibiotics."
YuMove's Skin and Coat Care Itching For DogsThis vet-recommended formula is designed to soothe and reduce itchy skin in as little as three to six weeks. It contains a blend of omega-3 oils, which are excellent for supporting skin and coat health.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Many of my patients with mild allergies have had some success with 'Yumove Skin and Coat Care Itching".View Deal
2. ParasitesParasites, including fleas and mites, are a common cause of skin disease in dogs, according to Dr. MacMillan. If your dog is allergic to flea saliva, they could develop flea allergy dermatitis, which causes symptoms like itching and scratching, and be very uncomfortable.
She explains: "The most seen ectoparasite is fleas. This small brown wingless creature can rapidly reproduce, dispersing eggs into your household. These eggs hatch out into tiny larvae that crawl in your carpet or gaps between floorboards, eating debris. They then form a pupa which can sit undisturbed for several weeks before hatching out. This is known as the flea life cycle."
"Mites are another frequently seen parasite, causing a skin issue known as mange. There are two types of mange, sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. The Demodex mite lives at low levels in most dogs, not usually causing a problem. However, in young or immunocompromised animals those mites can multiply causing hair loss. The Sarcoptes mite is an infectious parasite that causes widespread intense itchiness, crusting, and hair loss."
Parasites: SymptomsHair loss
Scabs
Inflamed skin
Itchiness
Flea on a dog's fur and skin
Parasites: TreatmentOnce an infestation begins, many pet parents struggle with how to get rid of fleas. Dr. MacMillan recommends using a vet-approved anti-parasite product, treating your home with a flea spray, vacuuming, and cleaning your pet's bedding.
Prescribed tablets or spot-ons are usually more effective, and you'll want to ensure the product is the right size for your dog's body weight.
She adds: "Treatment often fails when owners don't treat all the animals in the house, miss doses or leave too large a gap between treatments. This can allow the immature stages of that parasite to grow and start reproducing again."
Indorex Defence SprayA vet-approved spray that kills fleas and dust mites for up to two months after application and prevents eggs and larvae for up to 12 months.View Deal
3. Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots)Acute moist dermatitis, also known as 'hot spots', causes patches of moist, inflamed skin, typically found on the face or neck but can appear anywhere on the body. In Dr. MacMillan's experience, it affects breeds like golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and rottweillers the most.
She says: "We often don't know what the underlying cause is, but it can be triggered by anything that causes skin irritation such as an insect bite, or a graze. The dog then causes further trauma to the skin by itching and rubbing at the area, leading to a secondary bacterial infection."
Acute moist dermatitis: SymptomsA patch of moist, inflamed skin that might have an odor and hair loss
Skin is usually sensitive and sore - your dog might react when you touch it
Acute moist dermatitis on dog with a person touching it with a cotton wool pad
Acute moist dermatitis: TreatmentWhen you take your dog to the vet, the fur around the affected area may be clipped, and the skin will be cleaned. The vet might recommend antibiotics, pain relief, or ongoing topical treatments.
4. Endocrine diseaseIf your dog has an endocrine disease (also known as hormonal issues), you might notice some changes in their skin, like hair loss and thinning.
Dr. MacMillan explains: "Hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormone) can cause weight gain and reduced levels of activity, as well as thinning of the fur. Affected dogs will usually have flank alopecia, which is hair loss or thinning down both sides of their body. These dogs are also more prone to skin infections (pyoderma).
"Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is an overproduction of steroid hormones in the body, caused by a small tumor on the adrenal gland or in the brain. This can lead to thinning of the skin, hair loss, and pigment changes.
"Seasonal flank alopecia is a condition most often seen in boxer dogs, Airedale terriers, and English bulldogs. Typically, affected dogs have symmetrical hair loss and the visible skin is darker than usual. It is unknown exactly why this happens but usually coincides with the seasons. Hair loss occurs during the fall months and starts to grow back in the spring.
"Fluctuations in sex hormones can also cause coat changes in some dogs. In males, some testicular tumors can cause coat thinning and mammary gland enlargement."
Endocrine disease: SymptomsGerman shepherd being assessed by a female vet
Endocrine disease: TreatmentTypically, treatment involves managing your dog's hormonal condition with regular medication and monitoring. However, if your dog has seasonal flank alopecia, it is considered a cosmetic issue, so no treatment is necessary.
You might also want to read: Tips to cope with dog shedding.
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