The Food Standards Agency has circulated alerts over products sold by Waitrose and the Co-op supermarkets amid fears they could be contaminated with food poisoning bugs. The alerts say the foods could contain dangerous salmonella and listeria cultures.
Waitrose & Partners is recalling No1 Pesto alla Genovese because Salmonella has been found in the product. The recall covers 145g packs with a use-by date of September 26.
Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Point of sale notices will be displayed in stores where the product was sold. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
If you have bought a pack, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a full refund. For further information, contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 (option 4).
The Co-op has taken the precautionary step of recalling Co-op Smooth Brussels Pate because the product may contain salmonella and listeria monocytogenes. The recall covers 175g packs with use-by dates of 19 November 2024, 21 November 2024 and 28 November 2024.
Symptoms caused by listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
If you have bought any of the product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your local store for a refund or replacement or contact the Co-op Customer Careline on 0800 0686 727. If you bought the product online, call 03300417737 for a refund or email via Product issues or returns – Co-op (Co-op.co.uk)
If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.