Tesco Issues Recall for Vegan Burgers Due to Overheating Risk

Tesco has initiated a recall of its “melt in the middle” meat-free burgers over concerns that they may become excessively hot inside, posing a burn risk to consumers. The affected product, known as Tesco Plant Chef 2 Meat-Free Burgers with Melting Middle, contains a filling of mustard and gherkins that may retain a high temperature after cooking.

The supermarket is advising customers who have purchased these vegan burgers not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the store for a full refund. This recall is a precautionary measure, as advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The FSA’s alert highlights the risk that the melting middle of the burger can remain dangerously hot, potentially causing burns when bitten into. Reports on social media have described the filling as being akin to “molten lava,” with some consumers experiencing discomfort. A vegan blog first noted this issue in late June, prompting comments about the overly hot center of the burgers. One user described the filling as being like “eating the sun,” while another reported almost burning their mouth on the product.

The recall was prompted by the FSA’s regulatory oversight, which requires either withdrawing a problematic product from shelves or recalling it from customers to ensure safety. The burgers, which are made from fava bean and pea protein, were advertised as “succulent and tangy” with an American-style mustard and gherkin melt.

Customers who have these burgers are encouraged to return them to Tesco for a refund, and no other products are affected by this recall.