Supermarket giant Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for three of its popular own-brand pâtés, warning customers they could be unsafe to eat due to an incorrect use-by date label.
Details of the Recalled Products
The recall, announced on Friday, 3rd January 2026, and confirmed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), affects specific 170g packs. The products involved are Tesco Coarse Farmhouse Pâté, Tesco Coarse Ardennes Pâté, and Tesco Smooth Chicken Liver Pâté.
All three items have been incorrectly labelled with a use-by date of 5th January 2026. Neither Tesco nor the FSA has publicly stated what the correct date should have been. The error means the products may pose a microbiological risk, potentially making them hazardous for consumption.
Official Advice for Shoppers
The FSA's official Product Recall Information Notice states that Tesco is recalling the pâtés because they "may pose a microbiological risk, making them unsafe to eat."
Authorities have issued clear instructions for anyone who has purchased the affected items:
- Do not consume the products.
- Return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.
- No receipt is required for the return.
Customers seeking further information are advised to contact Tesco directly via the contact page on the company's official website.
Understanding Food Safety Recalls
This action is classified as a food recall, where customers are asked to return a product. The FSA initiates such measures when a problem means a food item should not be sold. In more serious cases, the agency issues a 'Food Alert for Action', which directs local authorities to take specific steps to protect consumers.
The recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labelling for public safety. Shoppers are reminded to always check use-by dates and heed official safety warnings from retailers and the FSA.
