Sainsbury's is recalling 120g packs of its Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury's Pitted Black Olives after food safety officials confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The supermarket has issued a 'do not eat' warning to customers, urging them to return the affected products for a full refund.
Product Recall Details
The recall specifically targets 120g packs of pitted black olives with use-by dates of September 6, September 7, and September 10. Officials from the Food Standards Agency have advised consumers not to consume these items due to the risk of listeriosis, an infection that can cause serious complications.
Listeriosis Risks and Symptoms
Listeriosis is typically a mild illness with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and nausea. However, it can become life-threatening for certain vulnerable groups. These include the elderly, pregnant women, newborn babies, and individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or cancer, or those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy. When the infection spreads to the bloodstream or brain, it can lead to sepsis or meningitis.
Understanding Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria are usually eliminated during pasteurization. However, they are often associated with raw dairy products and ready-to-eat foods, including deli meats, smoked fish, and pre-packaged sandwiches. Produce can also become contaminated, and affected food may not show visible signs of spoilage. The bacteria can also be found in certain cheeses, such as brie and camembert, and in pâté and pre-cut fruit.
The NHS notes that these foods do not always contain listeria, and individuals who have consumed them recently do not need to take action unless they develop symptoms of the infection. In rare cases, listeriosis can be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food handled by an infected individual with poor hygiene practices. Close contact with farm animals can also be a source of infection.
According to figures from the UK Health Security Agency, 179 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2024, resulting in 28 deaths among non-pregnancy-related cases. Sainsbury's has stated that no other products have been affected by this issue and has apologized for any inconvenience caused.