A major UK supermarket has urgently recalled multiple snack bars due to suspected plastic contamination. Meanwhile, a new no deposit mortgage option for homebuyers has hit the market, shaking up the UK housing sector.
Consumers are urged to return the recalled food items immediately. And hopeful first-time homebuyers might just find new opportunities.
Food Recall Crisis and Link to Consumer Safety
No deposit mortgage news comes alongside an important public health alert.
A leading supermarket chain has pulled several raw fruit and nut snack bars off shelves after reports that some batches may contain plastic fragments. Each affected product has specific batch numbers and best-before dates clearly identified on store websites and food safety agency portals.
Customers are advised not to eat the recalled bars and should instead return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) emphasized the importance of rapid product withdrawals when contamination is suspected. This incident is one of several recent UK recalls related to food packaging issues involving foreign objects like plastic and glass.
For more on food recall notices, you can visit the FSA’s official recall page.
April Mortgages and Its New No Deposit Mortgage Option
April Mortgages has launched a no deposit mortgage product aimed at helping renters and first-time buyers break into the housing market. The plan is especially designed for those who cannot save for a traditional deposit, but have stable incomes and good credit.
Applicants must have a minimum annual household income of £24,000. The mortgage features a fixed interest rate starting at 5.99% for 10 or 15 years—offering some predictability in monthly payments.
Unlike similar schemes from the past, this no deposit mortgage does not require applicants to prove a history of rent payments or rely on financial support from family.
How the No Deposit Mortgage Works
This new product offers several buyer-friendly features:
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No upfront deposit needed
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Unlimited overpayment allowed
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No early repayment charges
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Portability if the homeowner moves
Borrowers are given flexibility to manage their repayments and potentially reduce their overall interest over time. These features make the product especially appealing for younger buyers with long-term housing goals.
For full product terms, visit April Mortgages official site.
Risks of Choosing a No Deposit Mortgage
Despite the attractive entry point, experts warn about the potential downsides of a no deposit mortgage.
The most concerning issue is negative equity. If property values fall and you’ve borrowed the full amount, you could end up owing more than your home is worth. This is a higher risk in fluctuating housing markets.
Additionally, the fixed interest rates—while beneficial in terms of stability—tend to be higher than standard mortgage products. That means borrowers could face larger monthly payments compared to peers who contribute deposits.
Homeownership also brings added costs: maintenance, insurance, taxes, and unexpected repairs—all of which are not covered by a mortgage.
Financial advisors recommend evaluating your long-term income and savings plans before committing to such agreements. Consulting a certified mortgage advisor or financial planner can help mitigate risks.
How This Impacts First-Time Buyers
The no deposit mortgage opens new doors for renters stuck in the rent trap. With rising rents across the UK, saving for a deposit has become increasingly difficult for many.
This mortgage product could help thousands move from renting into homeownership without needing to delay their goals.
That said, it’s important to compare lenders, read all terms carefully, and understand your financial limits. Government-backed mortgage schemes or shared ownership programs may still offer better alternatives for some individuals.
For a comparison of first-time buyer mortgage options, check out this helpful UK Government buying guide.
A Week of Caution and Opportunity
This week brought serious developments on two major consumer fronts.
First, the food recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to health and safety. Product packaging and quality checks are critical—and consumers must remain alert to alerts and warnings.
Second, April Mortgages’ no deposit mortgage is a significant financial tool that offers opportunity—but with strings attached. If used wisely, it could make homeownership more accessible to people who’ve long been shut out.
Before leaping into a mortgage—or even buying your next snack—research and informed decisions remain your best line of defense.
