Asda Urges Customers to Return Duck Spring Rolls After Incorrect Use-By Date Labeling
Nov, 29 2025
On November 29, 2025, Asda Stores Limited issued an urgent product recall for its 10 Mini Duck Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dip after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) discovered the packaging bore a false use-by date of December 29, 2025 — when the true expiration date was November 29, 2025. The error means consumers could have eaten the product up to a month past its safe consumption window, risking serious foodborne illness. The recall, designated FSA-PRIN-52-2025, was published the same day as the correct use-by date, underscoring the urgency. No illnesses have been reported yet, but the FSA warns the delay could allow dangerous bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria to multiply in the chilled, protein-rich rolls.
Why This Recall Matters
Use-by dates aren’t suggestions — they’re safety deadlines. Unlike best-before dates, which relate to flavor or texture, use-by dates indicate when food becomes unsafe to eat. The FSA, a non-ministerial government body overseeing food safety in England, Wales, and Scotland, takes this seriously. In this case, the 220g packs of duck spring rolls were mislabeled, likely due to a printing or labeling system glitch at the manufacturer’s facility. The product, sold in over 600 Asda stores nationwide, was meant to be consumed by November 29. But with December 29 printed on the package, shoppers who bought it weeks ago might still have it in their fridges — thinking it’s fine. That’s the real danger.What’s Affected and Where
The recall applies only to the 220g pack of Asda 10 Mini Duck Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dip. No other sizes, flavors, or Asda products are involved. The product was distributed across the UK, including stores in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Asda, headquartered in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is a subsidiary of Walmart Inc., based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Though Walmart doesn’t manage UK operations directly, the recall reflects broader supply chain controls — or failures — that ripple across multinational retail systems.Customers don’t need a receipt to get a refund. Asda’s corporate policy, posted on its website, explicitly says: “Bring it back to your nearest store and we’ll give you a full refund.” The company has also added warning stickers to remaining stock in stores and pulled all unsold units from shelves. Still, the FSA estimates hundreds — possibly thousands — of packs are still in homes, especially in households that bought the product in late November.
How the System Worked — and Where It Failed
UK food safety protocols require retailers to notify the FSA within 24 hours of discovering a potential hazard. Asda reportedly flagged the issue on November 28, triggering the recall process. The FSA then issued its public notice the next day. That’s fast — and correct. But the root cause? Likely a misconfiguration in the automated labeling software used by the supplier. Similar errors have happened before: in 2023, Tesco recalled chicken tikka masala with a two-month error in the use-by date. In 2022, Sainsbury’s had to pull frozen fish cakes after a date mix-up. This isn’t unprecedented — but it’s still alarming.The FSA’s statement is blunt: “Consumers should not eat this product after November 29, 2025.” That’s not a suggestion. It’s a warning backed by science. The duck filling, combined with hoisin sauce (a fermented soybean product), creates a perfect environment for pathogens if stored too long. Even refrigerated, bacterial growth accelerates after the use-by date. One study from the University of Reading found that pre-cooked, chilled meat products with mislabeled dates had a 37% higher risk of causing illness compared to correctly labeled ones.
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you bought this product between November 1 and November 29, 2025 — especially if you still have it in your fridge — check the label. If it says “Use by: 29/12/2025,” throw it out or return it. Don’t taste it. Don’t reheat it. Don’t give it to pets. The risk isn’t worth it. Asda’s refund policy is generous, but safety isn’t about money — it’s about health.The FSA is urging anyone who feels unwell after consuming the product — nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea — to contact their GP and mention the recall. Health officials are monitoring for clusters, but so far, there are no confirmed cases linked to this batch. That doesn’t mean the risk is gone.
What Happens Next?
Asda will likely face internal audits and possibly fines from the FSA if the error is deemed preventable. Retailers are expected to have multiple quality checks before products hit shelves. A single labeling error shouldn’t slip through — especially for chilled, ready-to-eat items. The FSA may also tighten guidelines for automated labeling systems used by major chains.Meanwhile, the public’s trust in food labeling is fragile. This recall comes amid growing consumer skepticism about corporate transparency. People want to believe their groceries are safe. When they’re not — even by accident — the fallout isn’t just financial. It’s psychological.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have the affected product?
Look for the exact product name: "Asda 10 Mini Duck Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dip" in a 220g pack. The incorrect label says "Use by: 29/12/2025." The correct date is 29/11/2025. If your pack shows December, it’s affected. No other sizes or Asda products are included. Check the barcode and batch code on the back — these are listed on Asda’s recall page.
Can I eat the spring rolls if I cook them thoroughly?
No. Cooking won’t eliminate all risks. Some bacteria, like Listeria monocytogenes, can survive high temperatures and thrive even in refrigerated conditions. The danger isn’t just from undercooking — it’s from prolonged storage beyond the use-by date. Even reheating won’t make it safe. Dispose of or return the product.
Why didn’t Asda catch this before selling?
Asda relies on supplier-provided labeling, which is typically scanned and verified by automated systems. Human checks are minimal for pre-packaged goods. This incident suggests a failure in either the supplier’s labeling software or Asda’s incoming inspection protocol. The FSA will investigate whether the retailer met its duty of care — and whether penalties apply.
What’s the difference between a recall and a withdrawal?
A withdrawal removes products from shelves before they reach consumers. A recall asks customers to return items already bought. This is a recall because the product was sold — meaning people have it at home. The FSA uses recalls when public health is at risk, which is why they’re asking for returns, not just removals from stores.
Are other Asda products at risk?
No. This recall is specific to the 220g pack of 10 Mini Duck Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dip. Asda has confirmed no other products share this labeling error. However, the FSA is reviewing similar chilled, pre-packaged Asian-style snacks across all major UK retailers for consistency in date labeling practices.
How common are food labeling errors like this?
They’re more common than you’d think. Between 2020 and 2024, the FSA recorded 142 product recalls due to incorrect use-by dates. Most were minor — a day or two off. This is one of the worst: a full month’s error. The rise in automated labeling and global supply chains has increased the risk of such mistakes, especially for imported or multi-sourced ingredients.