13-05-2025
UK supermarket issues urgent recall of chicken over deadly bacteria
UK supermarket issues urgent recall of chicken over deadly bacteria
Customers are entitled to a full refund if they return the product
Spar customers have been urged to return the products
(Image: Getty Images )
A UK supermarket is urgently recalling three different chicken products due to confirmed listeria contamination. The Spar chain has stated that their chicken fillets were found to test positive for Listeria monocytogenes - a bug that can cause severe food poisoning.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising anyone who has bought the products to return them to the place of purchase for a complete refund. In a statement, the FSA said: "SPAR is recalling several chicken products because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products."
The FSA advised consumers: "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."
"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."
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"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 has announced it will be issuing point of sale notices in stores where the affected chicken products were sold. These notices will inform customers about the product recall and provide instructions on what to do if they have purchased one.
The urgent recall applies to the following products:
SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Pieces
Pack size - 150g
Batch code - 5126
Use by - May 31, 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 type of bacteria that can cause an infection known as listeriosis. While relatively rare and often self-resolving, the symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, aches and pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting while some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
However, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from a listeria infection. These include pregnant people, newborn babies, and those with weakened immune systems.
If you suspect you have listeriosis and could be at risk of complications, it's important to seek medical advice immediately.
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In cases where severe headaches or confusion occur, dial 999 straight away.
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 found in chocolate and vanilla mousse, as well as strawberry and vanilla mousse, both of which were supplied to hospitals.
