Sainsbury's has initiated an urgent recall of its popular own-brand hummus, acting on advice from food safety authorities and suppliers amidst a growing E. coli outbreak across the UK.
The product in question is the 200g Sainsbury's Hummus. The supermarket giant is urging all customers who have purchased this item to return it immediately to their nearest store for a full refund. No receipt is necessary.
What You Need to Do
If you have this product in your home, do not eat it. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a 'precautionary recall notice' to ensure public safety. The specific product details are:
- Product: Sainsbury's Hummus 200g
- Use by: All dates up to and including June 16, 2024
Sainsbury's has stated that customers can return the product to any of their stores for a full refund. The supermarket is also directly contacting customers who may have purchased the hummus through its online grocery delivery service.
Linking to a Wider Outbreak
This recall is directly linked to an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into a recent spike in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases. While the exact source of the outbreak is still under investigation, this action is a critical preventative step.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can be severe and include bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and a fever. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications. Health officials advise anyone experiencing severe or persistent symptoms to contact NHS 111 or their GP.
This incident highlights the robust food safety protocols in place within UK retail, where swift action is taken to protect consumers as soon as a potential risk is identified.
