Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Lidl, John Lewis, and Primark are among the major UK retailers that have issued urgent food and product recall warnings this week. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have published notices concerning health hazards ranging from listeria contamination to asbestos, lead, and undeclared allergens. Shoppers are advised not to eat the affected food products and to stop using the recalled items immediately.
Listeria Contamination in Ham and Cheese
Lidl and Tesco have recalled specific ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the NHS, listeriosis can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups. The affected products include:
- Brady Family Crumb Irish Ham (80g), batch codes 235880 and 235765, use by July 16, 2026
- Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham (130g), batch code 235473, use by July 16, 2026
- Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham (130g), batch code 235461, use by July 16, 2026
The FSA stated: “The possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes 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. Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.” The recalls are for Northern Ireland only.
Marks and Spencer has recalled its Food Truffle Gouda (150g, product code 29424887, use by October 9, 2026) due to the same listeria risk. The retailer said: “Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store, where they will receive a full refund.” Only the displayed date codes are impacted, and no other M&S products are affected. The withdrawal applies to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Undeclared Gluten in Pasta Product
Minton and Donello Organic White Orzo (500g, batch codes 78850, best before January 31, May 2, and May 24, 2027) has been recalled because it contains wheat (gluten) not mentioned on the label. The packet also mislabels the product as “Orzo White Rice”. The FSA warned: “This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease. If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.”
Lead in Primark Pepper Mills
Primark has recalled three models of pepper mills in brown and green due to serious chemical risk from lead contamination. The £8 hand-grinding mills were manufactured in India and sold throughout the UK. The OPSS said: “The product presents a serious chemical risk because it contains excess concentrations of lead. The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008.” Affected models (product codes): 6772201 (5397349037640), 6770801 (5397349037541), and 3022201 (5397349075604). Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to any Primark store for a full refund.
Asbestos in John Lewis Doorstops and Draught Excluders
John Lewis has withdrawn a selection of doorstops and draught excluders available from January 31, 2021, to June 11, 2026, after discovering possible asbestos contamination in the marble chips sealed within. The OPSS stated: “The products present a risk to health as the marble chips sealed within the doorstops and excluders may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.” Owners are advised to stop using the items immediately and keep them out of reach of children. Recalled items include various draught excluders (product codes 57090502, 57090506, 57090509) and doorstops (product codes 57090429, 57090428, 57090427, 57090409, 57090421, 57090420, 57090426, 57090425, 57090424, 57090423, 57090420, 57090421).
