UK supermarket issues urgent recall of chicken amid scare over deadly bacteria
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Three different Spar chicken items are being recalled by the supermarket chain, after listeria contamination was confirmed.
Spar revealed its chicken fillets had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, which is a food poisoning bug that can lead to serious health complications, reports MirrorOnline.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) urged anyone who purchased the products to return them to the store for a full refund.
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An FSA statement stated: "SPAR is recalling several chicken products because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products.
"If you have bought the above products, do not eat them.
"Instead, return the products to where they were bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact SPAR Customer Services on 0289 034 2733," the FSA statement continued.
It added: "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."
Spar declared it would be issuing point of sale notices, which would be displayed in shops where the chicken products were sold.
These notices let customers know exactly when the product is being recalled, and what to do if they bought one.
The urgent recall related to the following products:
Pack size - 150g
Batch code - 5126
Use by - May 21 2025
SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Slices
Pack size - 150g
Batch code - 5126
Use by - May 21 2025
SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Fillets
Pack size - 300g
Batch code - 5126
Use by - May 21 2025
Listeria is a bacteria that causes an infection known as listeriosis. It's relatively rare, and tends to go away by itself.
Most people have very mild symptoms after developing listeriosis, including a fever, aches and pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Some people are completely asymptomatic.
But, some have a higher risk of developing severe complications after listeria infection, including anyone that's pregnant, newborn babies, and people with a weakened immune system.
You should speak to a doctor straight away if you think you have listeriosis and could be at risk of complications.
If you suddenly develop severe headaches or feel very confused, you should stop what you're doing at dial 999 straight away.
Meanwhile, earlier this year the UK Health Security Agency confirmed it was investigating three deaths linked to a listeria outbreak in hospital desserts.
The bacteria was detected in a chocolate and vanilla mousse, as well as a strawberry and vanilla mousse. Both of the products were supplied to hospitals, it's believed.
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