Burger King UK has launched one of its biggest menu updates in recent years, introducing new items and bringing back popular favourites as part of its summer offering.
The latest additions include the Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, a twist on the original Chicken Fries, featuring a crispy golden coating with a sweet and smoky barbecue flavour inspired by Midwestern American cuisine. These are aimed at customers looking for a flavourful snack or something to share during the warmer months.
Also introduced is the Kansas BBQ King Box, a value meal priced at £5.99. The box includes the new BBQ Chicken Stacker burger, four Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, regular fries, and a drink. The Stacker, which is expected to be a key draw, is designed to appeal to those seeking a satisfying barbecue-inspired option.
Burger King has also brought back the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar range, which proved popular with customers during previous promotions. This premium line-up includes the choice of a 100% British and Irish Angus beef burger or a crispy-coated chicken breast, both topped with creamy Caesar mayo. The sauce is described by the brand as offering a rich, garlicky flavour for a more indulgent experience.
In addition, the fast-food chain is launching a Spicy Mayo range, introducing a fiery twist to two well-known menu items – the Whopper and the Chicken Royale. These updated versions aim to give customers a bolder option while maintaining the core elements of the classic burgers.
To mark the launch of the summer menu, Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app. From 20 to 22 May, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar burgers. A similar promotion will run for the Spicy Mayo range between 27 and 29 May.
Burger King UK’s latest menu revamp highlights the brand’s ongoing efforts to introduce variety and value while catering to evolving customer preferences. With a combination of new flavours and returning favourites, the chain aims to attract both loyal fans and new diners during the summer period.
UK growers are reporting a bumper crop of unusually large strawberries this spring, thanks to a spell of bright sunshine and cool nights that has created near-perfect growing conditions. However, as the dry weather continues, experts are warning that water shortages could pose a risk to future harvests.
According to Bartosz Pinkosz, operations director at the Summer Berry Company, strawberry plants have benefited significantly from this year’s weather pattern. “We had the darkest January and February since the 1970s, but then the brightest March and April since 1910,” he said. “From March onwards, it was really kind of perfect for tunnel strawberries.”
The company, which grows fruit at its farm in Colworth, West Sussex, supplies major UK retailers. Pinkosz said the strawberries being harvested this month are consistently larger than average, with some weighing as much as 50g – around the size of a plum or even a kiwi. The average size this season is approximately 30g, still well above the norm.
He explained that the combination of abundant sunshine and cool night temperatures had slowed the ripening process, allowing more time for the fruit to develop. “The slower the development of the fruits, the more time to expand the cells and create the bigger berry,” he said. “I have genuinely never seen a harvest produce such large berries consistently in my 19 years of working in this field.”
The UK strawberries' large size has drawn attention from across the industry. Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, confirmed that this year’s crop is showing excellent quality across several key characteristics. “We’re seeing very good size, shape, appearance, and most of all, really great flavour and sugar content, which is what consumers want when they buy British strawberries,” he said.
Marston cautioned that while reports of strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growers, averages across the country may vary. “Some crops will be slightly smaller than others, but it would be fair to say that the very nice sunshine and cool overnight temperatures have been ideal for fruit development,” he added.
Strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growersGetty
The season's early warmth also led to gluts of aubergines and tomatoes at the start of May. However, with continued dry conditions, concern is growing among farmers about the possibility of a summer drought, especially in the south-east of England. Marston acknowledged the risk but noted that strawberry crops generally use water-efficient drip irrigation systems. “Water is used very sparingly,” he said.
Despite the potential challenges, this season’s UK strawberries have started strong, and the signs are positive ahead of the summer. With Wimbledon on the horizon in June, British tennis fans may once again be treated to large, juicy strawberries during the tournament – a popular seasonal tradition.
The consistently warmer spring and its effects on UK strawberries' large size have been welcomed by consumers and retailers alike. Yet growers remain alert to the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of sustainable water management.
As the strawberry season progresses, the industry is watching closely to see whether the favourable conditions can be maintained. While the current outlook for size and flavour is positive, the warning about water supply highlights the delicate balance required to maintain crop health and quality in the months ahead.
Several well-known food products have been recalled from UK supermarkets in recent weeks due to safety concerns, with customers urged to return affected items for a full refund. The recalls were prompted by potential contamination with plastic or glass, incorrect labelling of allergens, or packaging errors. Notices have been issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for products sold by Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and others.
Beef lasagne mix-up
Giovanni Rana (UK) Ltd has recalled La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne due to a packaging error. Some 700g packs may contain Prawn & Lobster Lasagne instead, posing a serious risk to individuals with shellfish allergies. The affected products carry the batch code L0B510816 and a best before date of 17 June 2025. The lasagne was sold in supermarkets including Tesco and Morrisons.
Allergen risk in pita chips
Vadouvan Pita Chips by Ottolenghi, the food brand run by Israeli-British chef Yotam Ottolenghi, have been recalled due to undeclared allergens. The product contains celery and mustard, which are not listed on the label. This could pose a risk to those with allergies to either ingredient. The affected 150g packs carry batch codes 290525 and 300525, with best before dates of 28, 29, and 30 May 2025. The chips are sold on Ottolenghi’s website and other outlets.
Glass found in pasta sauce
Organico Realfoods has recalled its Organic Alla Norma Sauce over fears it may contain pieces of glass. The product, sold in 350g jars, is considered unsafe for consumption. It has the batch code 140227 and a best before date of 14 February 2027. The sauce was available from retailers including Ocado. This recall follows a similar case in March involving jars of Kelly Loves sushi ginger, which were also recalled over potential glass contamination.
Chilli oil dipping mix contains peanuts
PandaFresh has issued a recall for its CuiHong Chilli Oil Dipping Mix (also known as CuiHong Spicy Dip), as it contains peanuts not declared on the packaging. This poses a risk to anyone with a peanut allergy. The 10g packs have best before dates of 9 August, 10 August, and 12 October 2025.
Incorrect date on chicken slices
Asda has recalled its Hot and Spicy Chicken Breast Slices due to an incorrect use-by date printed on the packaging. The 160g packs listed 30 May 2025 as the expiry date, which could lead to customers unknowingly consuming the product beyond its safe period. Customers are advised to return the item for a full refund, even without a receipt.
Plastic found in sausages
Morrisons has recalled its The Best 6 Thick Cumberland Sausages due to the potential presence of blue plastic fragments. The affected 400g packs have a best before date of 1 May 2025. The presence of plastic poses a potential choking hazard, particularly for children, and could also lead to contamination when heated.
The FSA has urged consumers not to eat any of the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
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The product is sold online by Ottolenghi for £6.30
Thousands of packets of pita chips are being urgently recalled over concerns they could cause allergic reactions, including swelling and hives.
The recall affects Vadouvan Spiced Pita Chips sold by Ottolenghi, the Israeli-founded restaurant chain. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the product may contain undeclared celery and mustard, posing a potential health risk to individuals with allergies to either ingredient.
The affected product comes in 170g packets and includes the following batch codes: 290525 and 300525. The relevant best-before dates are 28, 29, and 30 May 2025. Customers who have purchased these products are advised not to consume them if they are allergic to celery or mustard.
In a statement, the FSA said: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to celery or mustard, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund, with or without a receipt.”
The product is sold online by Ottolenghi for £6.30. Only the specified batches have been recalled, and the product will remain available once relabelling is corrected.
Ottolenghi was founded by Israeli-born British chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The restaurant group, known for its deli-style offerings and packaged products, has issued the recall voluntarily in coordination with the FSA.
Mustard is among the 14 major allergens identified under UK food regulations. While mustard and celery allergies are relatively uncommon in the UK, both can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, hives, red eyes, mucus production, and rashes.
Food product recalls are issued by the FSA when a product is considered unsafe to consume. Retailers are instructed to remove the item from sale and notify customers, who are then urged to return or dispose of the affected product.
For further information, customers are encouraged to visit the FSA website or contact Ottolenghi directly.
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The curry was ordered from Ali’s Kitchen in Longton, Staffordshire, run by award-winning chef Muhammed Aaban Aamir Ali.
A CURRY containing four different types of nuts was supplied to a customer with a severe allergy – despite staff being warned about his condition, a court heard.
The man went into anaphylactic shock at home and had to use an EpiPen to alleviate symptoms including a tightening of his throat and a rash – and an ambulance was also called.
The curry was ordered from Ali’s Kitchen in Longton, Staffordshire, run by award-winning chef Muhammed Aaban Aamir Ali.
North Staffordshire magistrates were told last Thursday (1) that preparation of an allergen-sensitive dish should not have been given to another staff member.
Ali, 44, of Bignall Grove, Dresden, admitted failing to comply with EU provision concerning food safety and hygiene on the morning of his trial. The incident took place in July 2023.
Ms Filmer, prosecuting on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “(A customer) phoned the restaurant and advised that their partner suffered [with] a severe nut allergy.
“They enquired as to whether the chicken tikka masala could be made nut-free.
“She was assured that the chicken tikka masala would be made nut-free, with almond powder being removed. (Her partner) was dipping into the chicken tikka masala and immediately suffered anaphylaxis.
“His tongue tingled, his throat started to tighten, he was unable to swallow and came out in a rash. He used his EpiPen and an ambulance was dispatched.
“He suffered anaphylactic shock due to consuming just a small amount of food at home. It was fortunate he had an EpiPen to hand on this occasion.”
The restaurant was contacted and a replacement curry was delivered to the customer. But this went uneaten and Trading Standards were contacted, with officers attending the home to take samples of both curries.
The first curry contained almond, peanut, hazelnut and traces of pistachio, the court heard, while the replacement curry contained peanut protein.
Ms Filmer said: “(Ali) admitted his staff had not received specific allergy training. He shouldn’t have delegated allergen-sensitive instructions. The consequence was an entirely preventable medical emergency.”
Joanne Corbett, defending, said the incident had been a one-off and there had been no others reported to the council. She added that Ali was an award-winning chef, with more than 25 years’ experience, who had cooked for consulates in India.
“(Ali) is extremely remorseful – it has had an adverse effect on him. He prides himself on his work.”
Magistrates fined Ali £432. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to the affected customer, as well as £2,068 costs.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)
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Soy allergy is more prevalent in infants and young children
A major recall of canned beans has been issued across 23 US states due to the presence of an undeclared allergen that could pose a potentially life-threatening risk to some consumers.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 2 May that Vietti Food Group, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is recalling 4,515 cases of Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans after discovering that the product contains undeclared soy.
According to the FDA, individuals with a soy allergy or severe sensitivity could face serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the affected canned beans. The product recall applies to 15-ounce tins bearing a best-before date of 17 February 2028.
The impacted cans were sold before the recall at major retailers including Walmart, Associated Wholesale Grocers, K-VA-T Food Stores, Hy-Vee, and Meijer. The recall spans the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Soy is one of the nine major food allergens, which also include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame. While it is widely consumed, soy can cause reactions ranging from mild digestive issues to severe allergic responses, including skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and in some cases, anaphylaxis.
Food Allergy Research and Education notes that soy allergy is more prevalent in infants and young children, with an estimated 0.4% of infants in the US affected. Experts also warn that children allergic to cow’s milk may react adversely to soy-based alternatives.
To date, the FDA has confirmed that no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with the recalled canned beans. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are being advised to return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
This recall follows a similar case in March, when nearly 200,000 cans of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans were recalled due to concerns over possible foreign object contamination.