The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent recall for apples and kiwi fruit sold in major UK supermarkets after tests detected Salmonella contamination. The warning, issued on Tuesday, involves pre-packaged fruit products from supplier PrepWorld, which have been pulled from shelves at ASDA, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose.
Affected Products and Best-Before Dates
All recalled items carry best-before or use-by dates of 23 or 24 June. At ASDA, the sole affected product is a 220g Pink Lady Apple, Mango, Strawberry & Blueberry fruit pot priced at £2.75. Morrisons has recalled one product, a 220g Kiwi, Melon & Strawberries pack priced at £2.50 with a use-by date of 24 June.
Tesco has the highest number of affected items, with four products pulled: its 250g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry pots (use-by 24 June, £2.50), 100g Kiwi Fruit Pot (£1.50), 290g Fruit Kebabs containing kiwi, watermelon, mango and pineapple chunks (£4.10), and 125g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry packs (£1.50).
Sainsbury's and M&S Recalls
Sainsbury's and M&S each have three recalled products. At Sainsbury's, the affected items include 220g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry pots, Orange & Kiwi 240g packs, and Pink Lady Apple & Grape 240g packs, all with a use-by date of 23 June. M&S has recalled three apple-based products: 90g Café Pink Lady Apple slices, 90g (FTG) Pink Lady Apple packs, and 225g Pink Lady Apple Slices, all with a use-by date of 24 June. Waitrose has also pulled its 115g Pink Lady Apple and Grapes packs, which carry a best-before date of 23 June.
FSA Statement and Consumer Advice
In its statement, the FSA said: "Prepworld is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products."
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning globally, with symptoms including fever, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. While often associated with raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables can also be a source of contamination. According to FSA guidance, young children, those aged 65 and over, and individuals with compromised immune systems face a greater risk of serious illness.
The NHS advises that symptoms typically emerge within hours or days of eating contaminated food, though in some cases they may take weeks to develop. Sufferers are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, rest, take paracetamol, and eat when possible. The FSA has urged anyone who has purchased the affected products to refrain from consuming them and to return them to the shop for a full refund.
Previous Recall
The recall comes a year after a similar alert over Salmonella fears in a savoury snack stocked by Lidl. The supermarket withdrew its Sol & Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratchings after possible contamination was detected, and shoppers were told to return them for a full refund without a receipt.
