Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Lidl, John Lewis, and Primark are among major UK retailers that have issued urgent food and product recall notices this week, citing health risks including listeria contamination, undeclared allergens, lead, and asbestos. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have published the alerts, urging customers not to consume or use affected items and to return them for a full refund.
Lidl and Tesco Ham Recalls Over Listeria
Lidl and Tesco have recalled specific ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the NHS, listeriosis can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable groups. The affected products are sold in Northern Ireland only.
The recalled items include Brady Family Crumb Irish Ham (80g, batch codes 235880 and 235765, use by July 16, 2026), Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham (130g, batch code 235473, use by July 16, 2026), and Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham (130g, batch code 235461, use by July 16, 2026). The FSA stated: 'The possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis. Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.'
The FSA added: 'If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to where you bought them from for a full refund.'
Marks and Spencer Cheese Recall
M&S has recalled its Food Truffle Gouda (150g, product code 29424887, use by October 9, 2026) due to Listeria monocytogenes risk. The recall affects stores in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland only. M&S advised: 'Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store, where they will receive a full refund. Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected.'
Pasta Product Recall Due to Undeclared Gluten
Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo (500g, batch codes 78850, 78850, and 78850, best before January 31, May 2, and May 24, 2027) has been recalled because it contains wheat (gluten) not declared on the label. The product is also mislabelled as 'Orzo White Rice' despite being pasta. The FSA warned: 'This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease. If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.'
Primark Pepper Mill Recall Due to Lead
Primark has recalled three models of pepper mill (brown and green, £8) sold across the UK, as they contain excess lead, posing a serious chemical risk. The OPSS stated: 'The product presents a serious chemical risk because it contains excess concentrations of lead. The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008.' Affected models include 6772201 (product code 5397349037640), 6770801 (5397349037541), and 3022201 (5397349075604). Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to their nearest Primark store for a full refund.
John Lewis Doorstop and Draught Excluder Recall Due to Asbestos
John Lewis has recalled a range of doorstops and draught excluders sold from January 31, 2021, to June 11, 2026, because marble chips sealed inside may be contaminated with asbestos. The OPSS said: 'The products present a risk to health as the marble chips sealed within the doorstops and excluders may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.' Customers are urged to stop using the items immediately and keep them out of reach of children. Affected product codes include: Draught Excluder Navy (57090502), Grey (57090506), Stripe (57090509); Duck Doorstop (57090429), Elephant Doorstop (57090428), Frog Doorstop (57090427), Patterned Navy Doorstop (57090409), Pig Doorstop (57090421), Sausage Dog Doorstop (57090420), Fusion Doorstop (57090426), Snowman Doorstop (57090425), Gingerbread Doorstop (57090424), Grey Stripe Doorstop (57090423), Felt Doorstop (57090420), and Llama Doorstop (57090421).
