Food producer Greencore is recalling three pasta salad products sold in ASDA and Morrisons due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning to consumers in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Consuming Listeria monocytogenes can lead to an infection called listeriosis, which can cause severe complications such as sepsis or meningitis. The recalled products include ASDA's 300g Cheese & Tomato Pasta Salad with a use-by date of August 10 and product code 5063089221990. Also affected is ASDA's 500g Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad, with a use-by date of August 9 and product code 5063717198311. Morrisons' 300g Chicken and Bacon Pasta, with a use-by date of August 7 and product code 5010251790587, is also included in the recall.
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to eat them. They can be returned to the nearest store for a full refund without the need for a receipt.
Listeriosis typically presents with mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and nausea. However, it can become serious for certain individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems. This includes the elderly, pregnant women, newborn babies, and people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or cancer, or those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream or brain, it can result in sepsis or meningitis.
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is usually neutralized by pasteurisation. It is commonly found in raw dairy products and ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, smoked fish, and pre-packaged sandwiches. The bacteria can contaminate various foods and may not always be detectable through smell or appearance.
While less common, listeriosis can also be transmitted from an infected person, typically through contaminated food handled by an individual with unclean hands. Close contact with farm animals is another potential source of infection.
According to UK Health Security Agency figures from 2024, there were 179 reported cases of listeriosis in England and Wales, resulting in 28 deaths among non-pregnancy-related cases.