Co-op and Waitrose issue ‘do not eat’ alert – symptoms to watch for

Co-op and Waitrose have issued a ‘do not eat’ alert for certain products that may be contaminated with dangerous food poisoning bugs. The Food Standards Agency has issued alerts for products sold by these supermarkets over fears of salmonella and listeria contamination. Waitrose & Partners is recalling No1 Pesto alla Genovese due to the presence of salmonella, affecting 145g packs with a use-by date of September 26. Symptoms of salmonella typically include fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps, which can make people very ill. Customers are advised not to eat the product and to return it to the store for a full refund or contact Waitrose Customer Care.

On the other hand, Co-op is recalling Co-op Smooth Brussels Pate as a precautionary measure due to potential salmonella and listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected 175g packs have use-by dates of 19 November 2024, 21 November 2024, and 28 November 2024. Listeria monocytogenes symptoms can resemble flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.

Point of sale notices will be displayed in stores selling these products to inform customers of the recalls and what action to take if they have purchased these items. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products but to return them to the store for a refund or replacement. To seek further information or assistance, customers can contact the respective customer care helplines.

Recalls like these are initiated when a food product poses a risk and should not be sold. The Food Standards Agency issues alerts to inform consumers and authorities about food-related issues, providing details on necessary actions to be taken in such cases. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety and well-being.