Tesco is recalling its Finest Mozzarella Pearls and Pesto Orzo Salad due to concerns of contamination with a strain of E. coli. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a 'do not eat' warning for the product and advised customers to return it for a full refund without needing a receipt. The affected batches have use by dates of August 25, 26, and 27, 2026.
The FSA has indicated that the salad may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can lead to severe health issues, including kidney failure. Symptoms of STEC infections can include severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in children under five.
The FSA typically issues food recall notices when a product poses a risk to public health. It takes about two to four days after infection for symptoms to appear. Tesco has confirmed that no other products are affected by this recall and has apologized for any inconvenience.
This recall follows a recent incident where four chicken wraps were pulled from shelves due to similar contamination concerns. There has been a reported 26 percent increase in STEC infections in England, previously linked to lettuce in pre-packaged sandwiches and wraps. A significant outbreak last year in Belgium was traced back to raw minced beef served in nursing homes, resulting in ten deaths.
STEC is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, such as unwashed fruits and vegetables or undercooked meat, and can also spread through contact with infected animals or their feces. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to refrain from attending work, school, or nursery until they have fully recovered to prevent spreading the infection.