Tesco is urgently recalling its Finest Mozzarella Pearls and Pesto Orzo Salad over fears it could be contaminated with potentially deadly bacteria.
Food safety watchdogs have stuck a ‘do not eat’ warning on the packaged pasta salad and advised customers to return the product to any store for a full refund. No receipt is required.
There are fears that the pasta salad may be contaminated with a rare species E.coli which can cause kidney failure and be fatal.
Affected batches include batches with use on the dates August 25, 26 and 27, 2026.
Tesco has recalled the limited edition dish and a to remind notice to warn customers and ask customers not to eat the above product.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that eating the pasta salad could result in a bacterial infection known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, food and the intestines of animals and humans.
Common symptoms of STEC include severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and eventually kidney failure.
The Food Standards Agency issues food recall notices when a product poses a risk to public health
It usually takes two to four days of being infected with STEC before you develop symptoms.
A small number of people, especially children, with STEC infections subsequently develop a serious and life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Common warning signs include decreased urination, fatigue, swelling and bruising – with children under five years of age most at risk.
For more information about the recall, Tesco is asking customers to contact customer service via the contact page on the website.
No other Tesco products have been affected by the recall and the retail giant has apologized for any inconvenience caused.
It comes just days after four popular chicken wraps, sold in Iceland and other convenience stores, were removed from store shelves after it was discovered they may have been contaminated with the bacteria.
The series of recalls comes after a 26 per cent rise in STEC infections in England, previously linked to lettuce in pre-packed sandwiches and wraps.
Last year there was a major STEC outbreak in nursing homes in Belgium, resulting in ten deaths.
Researchers concluded that raw ground beef served to residents was the most plausible source of infection.
It is mainly spread by eating contaminated food, such as raw fruits and vegetables that have not been washed or stored properly, or through undercooked meat.
It can also be spread by touching infected animals or their feces, either directly or through contaminated water.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay away from work, school or daycare until symptoms have cleared, to avoid passing the disease on to others.
STEC infections are rarely fatal; in England, only a handful of deaths are recorded each year, despite thousands of cases being reported.
The FSA issues a food recall if a product poses a risk to public health.
It comes as more than 200 Britons have been struck by Salmonella food poisoning, which health chiefs have declared a national outbreak.
