Sainsbury's recalls own-brand houmous over possible STEC contamination

Sainsbury's has issued an urgent recall of two own-brand houmous products after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned the batches could contain shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a strain that can cause serious illness.

The recall applies to JS Classic Houmous with a use-by date of Sept. 13, 2025, and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous with a use-by date of Sept. 14, 2025. The supermarket said the action was being taken as a precaution and apologised for any inconvenience. Customers who bought the affected products are eligible for a refund by returning them to stores.

The FSA said the implicated batches could contain STEC, which can cause diarrhoea — sometimes bloody — abdominal pain and, in severe cases, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure. Public health agencies typically advise that young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe complications from STEC infection.

Sainsbury's statement said customers should not eat the affected products and that further details were available in-store and on the retailer's website. The supermarket declined further comment on the source of the contamination. The FSA's routine precautionary recalls are designed to remove potentially contaminated food from circulation while investigations proceed.

Foodborne E. coli outbreaks linked to ready-to-eat products have prompted recalls and public-health responses in recent years, leading retailers and regulators to emphasise traceability and batch testing. The FSA and local health protection teams investigate reports of STEC to identify any linked cases and, where necessary, to trace the supply chain to its source.

Consumers who have eaten the recalled houmous and develop diarrhoea, particularly if it is bloody, or who experience severe abdominal pain, should seek medical advice. In the United Kingdom, people are generally advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP if they are concerned about symptoms. The FSA will issue further updates if investigations identify a confirmed source or additional affected batches.