Urgent recalls have been issued for three pasta salad products sold at Asda and Morrisons due to possible listeria contamination. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned consumers not to eat the items, which were manufactured by Greencore, after the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes was detected.
Recalled products and batch details
The affected products are Asda's Cheese and Tomato Pasta Salad (300g, code 5063089221990, use by August 10), Asda's Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad (500g, code 5063717198311, use by August 9), and Morrisons' Chicken and Bacon Pasta (300g, code 5010251790587, use by August 7).
Shoppers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to their nearest store for a full refund, and no receipt is required.
What is listeria and why is it dangerous?
Listeria is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a foodborne infection typically linked to unpasteurised dairy products, cheese, deli meats, and other processed foods. Symptoms include flu-like effects such as high temperature, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
In severe cases, listeria can lead to complications like meningitis and even death. The FSA highlights that vulnerable groups—including people over 65, pregnant women and their unborn babies, infants under one month old, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk.
According to the FSA, consumers should not eat the recalled products and should dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase. The agency's 'do not eat' warning is part of an ongoing investigation into the potential contamination.
Supermarket response and consumer advice
Both Asda and Morrisons have been notified and are cooperating with the recall. Customers seeking more information can contact the supermarkets' customer service lines or visit the FSA website for updates.
This recall follows a pattern of increased vigilance around ready-to-eat salads and chilled foods, which are susceptible to listeria growth if not stored properly. The FSA advises checking product codes and use-by dates carefully.
For those who have already consumed the products and are concerned about symptoms, the NHS recommends seeking medical advice, especially for high-risk individuals. Listeriosis can take up to 70 days to develop, so monitoring is advised.
The recall is a precautionary measure, and no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with these specific batches as of now. However, the FSA stresses the importance of heeding the warning to prevent potential health risks.
