FOOD FEARS
Major supermarket urgently recalls chicken over ‘killer’ bacteria as shoppers are warned ‘do not eat’
The FSA has issued a statement ahead of the recall
A DEADLY bacteria has been discovered in three Spar chicken products - prompting an urgent recall.
The bacteria is known as Listeria monocytogenes and can lead to serious health complications.
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The supermarket has confirmed that three products have been confirmed to have been affected by the Listeria outbreak.
The bacteria can lead to a condition known as listeriosis, which can cause fever, aches and pains, diarrhoea and vomiting.
However, if contracted by someone with a lowered immune system then symptoms can become deadly.
The bacterial infection can also be dangerous for pregnant women as if can lead to instances of stillbirths.
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The three Spar affected products include:
- Spar Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Pieces (Batch code 5126)
- Spar Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Slices (Batch code 5126)
- Spar Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Fillets (Batch code 5126)
A statement from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) read: "SPAR is recalling several chicken products because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products.
"If you have bought the above products, do not eat them.
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"Instead, return the products to where they were bought for a full refund.
"Any customers with queries or concerns can contact SPAR Customer Services on 0289 034 2733.
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"Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
"However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis."
The FSA also warned that people over 65, pregnant women and children are at an increased risk of falling ill from the deadly bacteria.
Spar have begun issuing point of sale notices, which will be displayed in all stores in which the chicken products were sold.
Shoppers who bought any of the three products affected by the outbreak are entitled to return them to their local Spar for a refund.
Listeria is often found in deli meats like chicken, alongside seafood, soft cheeses and sprouts.
The food items with the highest risk of Listeria contamination include:
- Soft cheeses
- Pâté
- Smoked fish
- Chilled sliced meats
- Other chilled ready-to-eat products
Over 179 cases of Listeria infection were reported in England and Wales last year which lead to 28 deaths in 2024.
Since there is no way of knowing if a piece of meat or dairy is contaminated, the UK Health Security Agency urges shoppers to practice good food hygiene.
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If you believe that you are developing symptoms of listeriosis, then the NHS advises that you phone 111.
If symptoms become severe, then the NHS says that you should phone 999.
How do you know if you have listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a condition caused by the Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria.
In most people, listeriosis has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
If you're pregnant, you may also have a stomach ache or notice your baby moving less than usual.
Babies with listeriosis may also be irritable and feed less than usual.
However, you should call 999 or go to A&E if you:
- have a severe headache and stiff neck
- find it uncomfortable to look at bright lights
- have a fit (seizure)
- feel suddenly confused
- feel very sleepy or are difficult to wake
- have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it – the rash may be blotchy, like bruises or small red pinpricks
These could be symptoms of meningitis caused by listeriosis, which needs to be treated in hospital straight away.
Source: NHS
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