Urgent 'Do Not Eat' Warnings Issued as Major UK Retailers Recall Food Products

Shoppers across the UK are being urged to check their cupboards, fridges and freezers after several major retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Lidl, Co-op, Ocado and Amazon, issued urgent product recalls over food safety concerns.

The latest recalls involve products that may contain Listeria monocytogenes, undeclared allergens or incorrect ingredient labelling. Customers are being advised not to consume the affected items and to return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

Among the products recalled are selected ham products sold by Tesco and Lidl, along with M&S Food Truffle Gouda, after concerns they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea, but can lead to more serious illness in vulnerable groups such as older adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Additional recalls include a salsa product sold by Co-op due to undeclared mustard and gluten, as well as an organic white orzo product available through Tesco, Ocado, Amazon and Planet Organic, which contains undeclared wheat. These products pose a risk to anyone with food allergies, gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

The Food Standards Agency advises anyone who has purchased the affected products not to eat them. Instead, customers should return the items to the retailer for a full refund, even if they no longer have a receipt. Retailers have also displayed point-of-sale notices explaining the recalls and the action customers should take.

Consumers are encouraged to regularly check the Food Standards Agency's latest recall notices to stay informed about food safety alerts and product withdrawals.