A popular vegan cheese product has been recalled nationally after Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) discovered it contains an undeclared allergen that contradicts its marketing claims.
Biocheese's Cheddar Shred in the 200g size is being recalled from IGA and Coles stores because it contains undeclared milk, which poses a significant risk to consumers with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The recall applies only to products with a best before date of 27 August 2026.
The recall highlights a troubling gap between product labelling and actual contents, particularly concerning for consumers who rely on vegan claims to avoid dairy. Vegan products have been recalled in recent years after testing revealed undeclared milk or egg, and vegan does not necessarily mean milk and egg free. This is especially critical given that milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood, affecting more than 2% of babies in Australia.
FSANZ has warned that any consumers with a milk allergy or intolerance may experience a reaction if they consume the product. People with milk allergy are allergic to the protein in milk and can react with a mild to moderate or severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. The risk is distinct from lactose intolerance; people with lactose intolerance feel unwell when they have dairy products with lactose because they cannot digest that sugar, though lactose intolerance does not cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone concerned about their health after consuming the product should seek medical advice.
The incident underscores longstanding concerns about cross-contamination and mislabelling in food manufacturing. Errors during packaging were the predominant cause of allergen-related recalls from 2020 to 2024, with labelling errors constituting a significant portion in 2024 following implementation of Plain English Allergen Labelling requirements. People with milk allergy should always check the ingredient list and allergen statements on products labelled vegan, as vegan products do not have to be milk free and may contain milk through cross contamination.
For the latest food recalls affecting Australian consumers, visit the FSANZ food recall alerts page.