Consumers have been urged to return cartons of a flavour of Rubicon juice due to undeclared allergens.

The Food Standards Agency issued an alert on Wednesday on behalf of manufacturer AG Barr as numerous batches of Rubicon Yuzu & Pink Grapefruit juice may contain sulphites, which are not mentioned on the label.

Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling the Yuzu & Pink Grapefruit variety of the drink to explain why the product is being recalled.

An official safety notice read: “AG Barr is initiating a precautionary recall of specific batches of Rubicon Yuzu & Pink Grapefruit Still 1L (Tetra Carton) due to the potential presence of undeclared sulphites, making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites.”

Products affected will have the following batch codes:

While no other product is affected, these batches may contain sulphites, which pose a possible health risk to anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.

Sulphite allergies are rare, but many people are affected with a sensitivity or intolerance to the ingredient, which can cause “significant and sometimes severe symptoms” according to Allergy UK.

Sulphites work as food preservatives by releasing sulphur dioxide, an irritant gas that can cause the airway to become irritated and constricted, according to the charity. They are usually found in wine, beer, cider, fruit juices, and cordials.

It is thought that in most cases where people are sensitive to sulphites, the gas is released when sulphite-containing foods interact with acid in the stomach. This then disperses into the stomach but also back up and into the airway, causing symptoms.

Sulphite reactions are more common among people with asthma, multiple allergies or those who have unexplained reactions to wine or processed foods.

Symptoms can range from a rash and a blocked nose to severe difficulty breathing, an asthma attack and even anaphylaxis.

The incidence of sulphite sensitivity in the general population is thought to be less than 2 per cent, but this rises to between five and 13 per cent in asthmatics.

AG Barr has asked that any customers who have bought the drink and have a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites not to consume it. Instead, consumers should return it to where they bought it from for a full refund. For further information, please contact consumercare@agbarr.co.uk.