Sainsbury's has initiated an urgent product recall for its popular Taste the Difference Houmous amidst fears of potential E. coli contamination. The supermarket giant is urging customers to immediately check their refrigerators.
The recall specifically targets 200g pots with a use-by date of May 26, 2024. This decisive action follows concerns raised by the product's manufacturer and is being coordinated with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which has issued a formal 'do not eat' alert.
What You Need to Do
If you have purchased the affected product, the advice is clear:
- Do not consume the houmous.
- Return it to your nearest Sainsbury's store for a full refund.
- No receipt is required to claim your money back.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury's stated: "We are recalling the above product due to a potential safety risk. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and assure customers of our commitment to the highest standards of food safety."
Understanding the Risk: E. Coli
Certain strains of E. coli bacteria can cause severe foodborne illness. Symptoms often include:
- Stomach cramps and severe abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea, which may contain blood
- Vomiting and fever
These symptoms typically develop within a few days of infection. While most people recover without serious complications, the illness can be particularly severe for vulnerable groups such as the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
The FSA and Sainsbury's are advising anyone concerned about their health to contact their GP or NHS 111 for immediate medical advice.
