Contaminated beef that could cause sickness and diarrhoea recalled - could affect more than 7 million Britons
Britons have been issued a food safety warning
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James Hall & Co Ltd is recalling SPAR Corned Beef because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product.
Affected customers have been told not to eat the product and instead, return it to the store they purchased it from.
The recall affects SPAR stores in the North West of England. In 2021, the North West had a population of 7,417,397, in the 2021 United Kingdom Census, meaning a lot of people could be affected and at risk.
SPAR Corned Beef
Pack size: 120g
Use by: September 20, 2024
Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product
James Hall & Co Ltd
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) told Britons: "The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product above.
"Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
"However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.
"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.
"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."
The FSA continued: "Point of sale notices will be displayed in all 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."
James Hall & Co. Ltd told affected customers to return the product to stores for a full refund.
The company apologised for any inconvenience caused and reassured shoppers that no other products were affected.
While food recalls aren't too common, they must always be taken seriously. The FSA said: "If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).
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The recall affects SPAR stores in the Northwest of England
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"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."
This recall comes as Britons were warned that food sold at supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants poses a "life-threatening" risk.
In other food recall news, shoppers were informed that a supermarket chicken may cause vomiting and abdominal pain in some consumers.