Urgent Recall of Sandwich Filler Across Major UK Supermarkets
An urgent recall has been issued for a popular sandwich filler sold at several major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose, due to serious health concerns related to meningitis risks. The product in question is Gilbert's Turkey Breast Pastrami, which has been found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to severe complications in vulnerable individuals.
Details of the Affected Product
The recall specifically targets 142-gram packs of Gilbert's Turkey Breast Pastrami with product codes CK016 and CK027. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the use-by date of April 9, 2026, is currently affected. Point-of-sale notices are being displayed in all retail stores selling this product and on the company's website to inform customers about the recall and provide instructions on what to do if they have purchased the item.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The FSA has warned that symptoms of Listeria infection can mimic flu-like conditions, including high temperature, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can escalate to more severe complications, such as meningitis, which poses a significant threat to certain high-risk groups.
Vulnerable populations include:
- Individuals over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- Babies less than one month old
- People with weakened immune systems
Actions for Consumers
If you have bought the recalled Gilbert's Turkey Breast Pastrami, the FSA advises not to consume it. Instead, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. The agency emphasises that this recall is part of a broader food safety protocol, where products may be withdrawn from shelves or recalled to prevent potential harm.
The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to alert consumers and local authorities about food-related problems. In some instances, a 'Food Alert for Action' is released, detailing specific measures for local authorities to protect consumers. This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety practices to mitigate risks associated with contamination.
