Food safety officials have triggered a major product recall, urging the public to immediately dispose of or return specific batches of Haifa Smoked Fish products. The urgent action comes after routine testing detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium.
Affected Products: What You Need to Look For
The recall impacts several popular items, a staple in many British households. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the following products with specific use-by dates and batch codes:
- Haifa Smoked Salmon Slices (200g) with a use-by date of 28 February 2024
- Haifa Smoked Salmon Trimmings (200g) with a use-by date of 28 February 2024
- Haifa Sliced Smoked Salmon (100g) with a use-by date of 28 February 2024
All affected batches feature the lot code L8041, which is clearly marked on the packaging.
Understanding the Risk: Why Listeria is Serious
Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a condition that poses a significant threat to vulnerable groups. While healthy individuals may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the consequences can be severe for:
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- Older adults
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
Symptoms can include a high temperature, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The incubation period can be unusually long, meaning symptoms might not appear for several weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Official Advice and Consumer Action
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued clear guidance for anyone who has purchased these products.
Do not eat these products. If you have bought any of the listed items, you should either return them to the store from which they were purchased for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.
Retailers are also being instructed to remove the affected batches from their shelves to prevent further sale.
Any consumers concerned about their health should contact their GP or NHS 111 for immediate medical advice, especially if they are in a high-risk group and have consumed the product.
