A veggie curry containing meat substitute Quorn has been pulled from the shelves because it may contain pieces of flexible rubber and pose a choking hazard.

The makers of Quorn Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice have pulled over 15,000 chilled ready meals have urged people not to eat them but return them for a refund.

The affected packs cost £3 and weigh 400g with a best before date of March 1, 2 and 3 of March 2018.

It said: "On Monday 12th February, 2018, Quorn Foods initiated the recall of 15,660 packs of Quorn Chilled Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice ready-meal 400g (bar code: 5019503024203; use by dates: 01, 02 & 03 March, 2018).

"The recall is being initiated because a small number of consumers have reported finding a small piece of flexible rubber in the Masala sauce of their product, all with the use-by-date of 01 March, 2018.

"We would like to assure our customers that there are no other issues with the product, and no other Quorn products are affected.

"Customers with any packs of Quorn Chilled Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice, with a use-by-date of 01, 02 or 03 March, 2018, are advised not to consume the product and should return it to their retailer for a full refund."

The Food Standards Agency said: "Quorn is recalling its Chilled Quorn Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice 400g product because it may contain pieces of flexible rubber.

"The presence of rubber makes this product unsafe to eat and presents a safety risk.

"No other Quorn products are known to be affected.

"If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. "

Quorn said of the product "With its rich Tikka Masala sauce and side serving of basmati rice, this dish is destined to become a favourite among curry lovers looking for a healthier option."