The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to steer clear of foods containing mustard due to potential peanut contamination. Mustard ingredients, such as mustard powder or flour, are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches. The FSA is currently investigating the extent of affected products, with approximately 50 items already recalled. Parents of children with peanut allergies are advised to carefully check food labels and inquire at restaurants and take-out establishments about mustard-containing foods.

Several products, including Dominos dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce, are being recalled or withdrawn from sale due to potential peanut presence. The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries, a producer in India, with FGS Ingredients identified as the supplier for UK food production. Given the severe nature of peanut allergies, the FSA is taking a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of allergic individuals. Rebecca Sudworth, FSA’s director of food policy, emphasizes the importance of avoiding mustard-containing products until the affected items are identified.

Mustard, being an allergen itself, should be clearly labeled on food packaging if present. Precautionary labels like “may contain” are used when there is a risk of unintended mustard presence in food. Peanuts are a common allergen, affecting approximately one in 50 children, leading to their prohibition in many schools. Allergic reactions to peanuts result from the body’s response to peanut proteins and can manifest in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including dizziness, skin reactions, swelling, respiratory issues, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

The FSA is dedicated to providing updates to consumers as more information becomes available regarding affected products. Individuals with peanut allergies are urged to remain vigilant and avoid mustard-containing items until further notice. Understanding the risks associated with food allergies and being proactive in checking food labels and inquiring about ingredients can help individuals with allergies protect themselves from potential harm. It is essential for individuals with allergies to be aware of potential allergen cross-contamination in food products and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.

Original news source: Peanut allergy warning over dips and sandwiches (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs and summarize the key points of the article about peanut contamination in mustard. They should focus on the main idea, affected products, the reason for the caution, and the actions advised by the Food Standards Agency. Encourage them to use their own words and present their summaries to the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into groups and assign each group a side to take on the issue of peanut contamination in mustard. One group will argue in favor of the caution advised by the FSA, while the other will argue against it. Have each group come up with at least three reasons to support their stance. Then, conduct a poll where students vote on which side they agree with the most.

– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: Write down a list of keywords related to the article on the board. Without using the keyword itself, students take turns describing the term to their team members, who must guess what the keyword is. Set a time limit for each round and see how many keywords each team can guess correctly.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Provide students with a list of vocabulary words from the article related to food, allergies, and caution. Have them choose a word and draw it on the board while their classmates try to guess the word. This activity will help reinforce their understanding of the key terms used in the article.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students discuss and make predictions about the potential impact of this peanut contamination in mustard on food safety regulations in the future. Encourage them to consider how this incident might influence food labeling, production practices, and consumer awareness. After discussing, have each group share their predictions with the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is the Food Standards Agency cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard?
2. What are some common food items that may contain mustard ingredients?
3. Which specific products are mentioned in the article as being recalled or withdrawn due to potential peanut contamination?
4. Where have the contaminated mustard ingredients been traced back to?
5. Why is the FSA taking a precautionary approach regarding this issue?
6. How are precautionary labels like “may contain” used in relation to mustard presence in food?
7. What are some symptoms of allergic reactions to peanuts mentioned in the article?
8. What advice does the FSA give to individuals with peanut allergies regarding mustard-containing products?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to steer clear of foods containing mustard due to potential peanut contamination. (1)______ ingredients, such as mustard powder or flour, are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches. The FSA is currently (2)______ the extent of affected products, with approximately 50 items already recalled. Parents of (3)______ with peanut allergies are advised to carefully check food labels and inquire at (4)______ and take-out establishments about mustard-containing foods.

Several products, including Dominos dips, SPAR (5)______ fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce, are being recalled or withdrawn from sale due to potential peanut presence. The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries, a producer in India, with FGS Ingredients identified as the supplier for UK food production. Given the severe (6)______ of peanut allergies, the FSA is (7)______ a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of allergic individuals. Rebecca Sudworth, FSA’s director of food policy, emphasizes the importance of avoiding mustard-containing (8)______ until the affected items are identified.

Mustard, being an allergen itself, should be clearly labeled on food packaging if present. Precautionary labels like “may contain” are used when there is a risk of unintended (9)______ presence in food. Peanuts are a common allergen, affecting approximately one in 50 children, leading to their prohibition in many schools. Allergic reactions to peanuts result from the body’s response to peanut proteins and can manifest in a range of (10)______, from mild to severe, including dizziness, skin reactions, swelling, respiratory (11)______, nausea, (12)______ discomfort, and diarrhea.

The FSA is dedicated to providing updates to consumers as more information becomes available regarding affected products. Individuals with peanut (13)______ are urged to remain vigilant and avoid mustard-containing items until further notice. Understanding the (14)______ associated with food allergies and being proactive in checking food labels and inquiring about ingredients can help (15)______ with allergies protect themselves from potential harm. It is essential for individuals with allergies to be aware of potential allergen cross-contamination in food products and take (16)______ precautions to safeguard their health.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the precautionary approach the FSA is taking to ensure the safety of individuals with peanut allergies?
2. How would you feel if you or someone you know had a severe peanut allergy and had to constantly worry about potential cross-contamination with mustard?
3. Do you think food packaging should always clearly label allergens like mustard, even if it is not a common allergen?
4. Why do you think it is important for individuals with allergies to stay informed about potential allergen cross-contamination in food products?
5. How do you think the FSA could improve their communication with consumers about food recalls due to allergen contamination?
6. Do you like mustard in your food, and if so, how would you feel about avoiding it due to potential peanut contamination?
7. What precautions do you think restaurants and take-out establishments should take to ensure the safety of customers with food allergies?
8. Why do you think it is crucial for parents of children with peanut allergies to be extra cautious about checking food labels and inquiring about ingredients?
9. How do you think the food industry can work to prevent allergen cross-contamination in their products more effectively?
10. What measures do you think individuals with severe food allergies should take when dining out to protect themselves from potential allergen exposure?
11. Why do you think it is important for individuals with allergies to be proactive in advocating for their own safety when it comes to food consumption?
12. Do you think the FSA’s warning about peanut contamination in mustard-containing foods will make you more cautious about what you eat?
13. How do you think the FSA should hold food producers accountable for allergen contamination in their products?
14. Why or why not do you think it is challenging for individuals with food allergies to navigate the food industry and ensure their safety?
15. What advice would you give to someone with a severe food allergy on how to effectively communicate their needs to food establishments and ensure their safety?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. contamination
2. allergen
3. precautionary
4. manifest
5. vigilant
6. cross-contamination
7. safeguard
8. symptoms
9. unintended
10. proactive
11. prohibit
12. inquire
13. recall
14. withdrawal
15. discomfort

Meanings:
(A) Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
(B) Taking action to control a situation rather than just responding to it
(C) Taken in advance to prevent harm or danger
(D) To remove a product from the market due to safety concerns
(E) Not planned or meant to happen
(F) To show or display a condition or feeling
(G) To formally forbid something by law or rule
(H) The presence of a harmful or unwanted substance in something
(I) The transfer of harmful substances from one food to another
(J) A substance that can cause an allergic reaction
(K) A feeling of slight pain or unease
(L) Signs or indications of a condition or disease
(M) To ask for information
(N) The act of taking something away or removing it
(O) To protect from harm or damage
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why is the Food Standards Agency cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard?
(a) Due to mustard being a common allergen
(b) Due to mustard being a high-calorie ingredient
(c) Due to potential peanut contamination
(d) Due to mustard causing allergic reactions

2. Where have the contaminated mustard ingredients been traced back to?
(a) FSA in the UK
(b) GT Agro Industries in India
(c) SPAR sandwich fillers
(d) Harvester BBQ sauce

3. What is the main advice given to parents of children with peanut allergies regarding food consumption?
(a) Avoid all pre-packaged foods
(b) Only eat homemade meals
(c) Ignore food labels
(d) Carefully check food labels

4. What precautionary approach is the FSA taking regarding mustard-containing products?
(a) Ensuring the safety of allergic individuals
(b) Banning all mustard products
(c) Promoting mustard consumption
(d) Ignoring the issue

5. How are precautionary labels like “may contain” used in food packaging?
(a) When there is no risk of allergens
(b) When there is a risk of unintended mustard presence
(c) To confuse consumers
(d) To promote the product

6. What is a common symptom of allergic reactions to peanuts?
(a) Skin reactions
(b) Increased appetite
(c) Improved vision
(d) Stronger muscles

7. How many children are affected by peanut allergies, according to the article?
(a) All children
(b) None
(c) Approximately one in 50
(d) Approximately one in 100

8. What is the main message individuals with peanut allergies are urged to follow?
(a) Consume more mustard for immunity
(b) Ignore food labels
(c) Share food with others
(d) Avoid mustard-containing items until further notice

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Precautionary labels like “may not contain” are used when there is a risk of unintended mustard presence in food.
2. Individuals with peanut allergies are encouraged to avoid mustard-containing items until more information is provided by the FSA.
3. Dominos dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce are among the products being recalled due to potential almond presence.
4. Mustard ingredients like mustard powder or flour are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches.
5. Less than 50 items have been recalled so far as the FSA investigates the extent of affected products.
6. Parents of children with peanut allergies are advised to carelessly check food labels and inquire at restaurants about mustard-containing foods.
7. The Food Standards Agency is warning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard due to possible peanut contamination.
8. The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries in India and FGS Ingredients as the UK supplier for food production.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What precaution is the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advising individuals with peanut allergies to take regarding foods containing mustard?
2. How are contaminated mustard ingredients traced back to GT Agro Industries in India impacting food products in the UK?
3. How are precautionary labels like “may contain” used in food packaging to alert consumers about potential allergens?
4. What are some common symptoms of allergic reactions to peanuts mentioned in the article?
5. How does the FSA recommend individuals with peanut allergies stay informed and protect themselves from potential harm due to mustard contamination in food products?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why is the Food Standards Agency cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard?
The FSA is cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard due to potential peanut contamination.

2. What are some common food items that may contain mustard ingredients?
Mustard ingredients, such as mustard powder or flour, are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches.

3. Which specific products are mentioned in the article as being recalled or withdrawn due to potential peanut contamination?
Products such as Dominos dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce are mentioned in the article as being recalled or withdrawn due to potential peanut contamination.

4. Where have the contaminated mustard ingredients been traced back to?
The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries, a producer in India, with FGS Ingredients identified as the supplier for UK food production.

5. Why is the FSA taking a precautionary approach regarding this issue?
The FSA is taking a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of allergic individuals due to the severe nature of peanut allergies.

6. How are precautionary labels like “may contain” used in relation to mustard presence in food?
Precautionary labels like “may contain” are used when there is a risk of unintended mustard presence in food to alert consumers with allergies.

7. What are some symptoms of allergic reactions to peanuts mentioned in the article?
Symptoms of allergic reactions to peanuts mentioned in the article include dizziness, skin reactions, swelling, respiratory issues, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

8. What advice does the FSA give to individuals with peanut allergies regarding mustard-containing products?
The FSA advises individuals with peanut allergies to carefully check food labels and inquire at restaurants and take-out establishments about mustard-containing foods and to avoid such products until further notice.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Mustard
(2) investigating
(3) children
(4) restaurants
(5) sandwich
(6) nature
(7) taking
(8) products
(9) mustard
(10) symptoms
(11) issues
(12) abdominal
(13) allergies
(14) risks
(15) individuals
(16) necessary
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. contamination
Answer: (H) The presence of a harmful or unwanted substance in something

2. allergen
Answer: (J) A substance that can cause an allergic reaction

3. precautionary
Answer: (C) Taken in advance to prevent harm or danger

4. manifest
Answer: (F) To show or display a condition or feeling

5. vigilant
Answer: (A) Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

6. cross-contamination
Answer: (I) The transfer of harmful substances from one food to another

7. safeguard
Answer: (O) To protect from harm or damage

8. symptoms
Answer: (L) Signs or indications of a condition or disease

9. unintended
Answer: (E) Not planned or meant to happen

10. proactive
Answer: (B) Taking action to control a situation rather than just responding to it

11. prohibit
Answer: (G) To formally forbid something by law or rule

12. inquire
Answer: (M) To ask for information

13. recall
Answer: (D) To remove a product from the market due to safety concerns

14. withdrawal
Answer: (N) The act of taking something away or removing it

15. discomfort
Answer: (K) A feeling of slight pain or unease
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why is the Food Standards Agency cautioning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard?
Answer: (c) Due to potential peanut contamination

2. Where have the contaminated mustard ingredients been traced back to?
Answer: (b) GT Agro Industries in India

3. What is the main advice given to parents of children with peanut allergies regarding food consumption?
Answer: (d) Carefully check food labels

4. What precautionary approach is the FSA taking regarding mustard-containing products?
Answer: (a) Ensuring the safety of allergic individuals

5. How are precautionary labels like “may contain” used in food packaging?
Answer: (b) When there is a risk of unintended mustard presence

6. What is a common symptom of allergic reactions to peanuts?
Answer: (a) Skin reactions

7. How many children are affected by peanut allergies, according to the article?
Answer: (c) Approximately one in 50

8. What is the main message individuals with peanut allergies are urged to follow?
Answer: (d) Avoid mustard-containing items until further notice
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Precautionary labels like “may not contain” are used when there is a risk of unintended mustard presence in food. (Answer: False)
2. Individuals with peanut allergies are encouraged to avoid mustard-containing items until more information is provided by the FSA. (Answer: True)
3. Dominos dips, SPAR sandwich fillers and salads, and Harvester BBQ sauce are among the products being recalled due to potential almond presence. (Answer: False)
4. Mustard ingredients like mustard powder or flour are commonly found in dips, sauces, salads, and pre-packaged sandwiches. (Answer: True)
5. Less than 50 items have been recalled so far as the FSA investigates the extent of affected products. (Answer: False)
6. Parents of children with peanut allergies are advised to carelessly check food labels and inquire at restaurants about mustard-containing foods. (Answer: False)
7. The Food Standards Agency is warning individuals with peanut allergies to avoid foods containing mustard due to possible peanut contamination. (Answer: True)
8. The contaminated mustard ingredients have been traced back to GT Agro Industries in India and FGS Ingredients as the UK supplier for food production. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧