Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for its own-brand Antibacterial Surface Cleaning Wipes after routine testing revealed the presence of a potentially harmful bacteria within the product itself.
The supermarket giant is urging all customers who have purchased the affected wipes to immediately stop using them and return them to any Tesco store for a full refund. The recall notice, issued in conjunction with the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA), is a precautionary measure to protect public health.
What Was Found in the Wipes?
Testing identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex in specific batches of the wipes. This group of bacteria poses a significant health risk to individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
While it may not harm healthy individuals, Burkholderia cepacia can cause serious respiratory infections in people with weakened immune systems, chronic lung conditions (like cystic fibrosis or COPD), and other underlying health problems.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall affects specific batches of Tesco Antibacterial Surface Wipes with a pack size of 35 wipes. The affected batch codes and best-before dates are:
- Batch Code: 3487
- Best Before End: March 2026
Customers are advised to check the information on the back of the pack. No other Tesco products or batches are affected by this recall.
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased the wipes from the identified batch, Tesco advises you to:
- Stop using the wipes immediately.
- Return the product to your nearest Tesco store.
- You will receive a full refund; a receipt is not required.
Tesco has apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their cooperation. The retailer has confirmed it is working with its supplier to investigate the cause of the contamination and prevent a recurrence.
