The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent recall for pre-packaged fruit items sold across major UK supermarkets due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall, announced on Tuesday, affects products from supplier PrepWorld, after tests detected Salmonella in apples and kiwi used in ready-to-eat fruit pots and snack packs.
Which products are affected?
The recall covers products sold at Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S, and Waitrose. All affected items carry best-before or use-by dates of 23 or 24 June. At Asda, the only recalled product is a 220g Pink Lady Apple, Mango, Strawberry and Blueberry fruit pot priced at £2.75. Morrisons has withdrawn a 220g Kiwi, Melon and Strawberries pack (£2.50, use-by 24 June).
Tesco has the highest number of affected items, with four products: 250g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry pots (use-by 24 June, £2.50), 100g Kiwi Fruit Pot (£1.50), 290g Fruit Kebabs with kiwi, watermelon, mango and pineapple (£4.10), and 125g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry packs (£1.50). Sainsbury's recalls include 220g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry pots, Orange and Kiwi 240g packs, and Pink Lady Apple and Grape 240g packs (all use-by 23 June). M&S has recalled 90g Café Pink Lady Apple slices, 90g (FTG) Pink Lady Apple packs, and 225g Pink Lady Apple Slices (all use-by 24 June). Waitrose has withdrawn its 115g Pink Lady Apple and Grapes packs (best-before 23 June).
What should consumers do?
The FSA urges customers who have bought these products not to consume them and to return them to the store for a full refund. Point of sale notices are being displayed in affected stores explaining the recall. The FSA statement said: "Prepworld is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products."
Health risks from Salmonella
Salmonella is a leading cause of food poisoning worldwide, causing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. While often linked to raw meat, poultry, and eggs, fresh fruit can also be a source. The FSA notes that young children, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness. Symptoms typically develop within hours to days after consuming contaminated food, but can take weeks to appear. The NHS advises drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, resting, taking paracetamol, and eating when possible.
This recall follows a similar warning twelve months ago when Lidl pulled its Sol and Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratchings due to Salmonella concerns. The FSA advised shoppers to return the product for a full refund without a receipt.
