Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
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.
Chef Asma Khan calls for an end to macho kitchens and celebrates older women in professional cooking.
Advocates unionising hospitality and improving working conditions across the industry.
Explains founding the Second Daughters Foundation to support girls’ education in India.
Discusses the political role of food in promoting labour rights and dignity.
Redefining kitchens and leadership
In the latest episode of Shami’s Speakeasy, chef and campaigner Asma Khan joined host Shami Chakrabarti to discuss justice, feminism, race and the politics of food. Chakrabarti described Khan as “not so much a celebrity chef as a revolutionary chef.”
Khan highlighted her all-women team at Darjeeling Express, many of whom are grandmothers, calling it “a powerhouse.” Rejecting the macho culture of celebrity kitchens, she said the average age of women cooking in her kitchen is 50, demonstrating that older women are central to professional cooking.
Unionising hospitality and work-life challenges
Khan spoke candidly about labour conditions in hospitality and the impossibility of perfect work-life balance for shift workers and entrepreneurs. She called for restaurant workers to unionise, reflecting on exploitation during COVID and ongoing staffing pressures: “Without collective action, we can never get anywhere.”
She also shared her approach to parenting and entrepreneurship: “There is no word called ‘balance’ for some of us. The only way out is to forgive yourself and keep going.”
Second Daughters and food as a force for change
As a second daughter, Khan founded the Second Daughters Foundation, supporting girls’ education in India through school meals and practical assistance for those most likely to be kept at home.
Khan also described food as a political tool, using it to “shake the world gently” while emphasising labour, dignity and respect alongside ingredients.
Episode details
Shami’s Speakeasy: Asma Khan is available on all major podcast platforms from 15 October 2025. Additional resources and artwork inspired by the discussion will be shared in the Speakeasy Zine on the show’s website and to subscribers.
Asma Khan is the founder of Darjeeling Express, London, and an advocate for dignity in hospitality and women’s rights. Shami Chakrabarti is a human rights lawyer, legislator, and broadcaster who hosts Shami’s Speakeasy as a forum for honest conversations on values, ethics and social change.
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