Waitrose has withdrawn a popular product from its shelves and issued an urgent recall notice to shoppers amid concerns over contamination. The major British supermarket has recalled packs of black olives following the discovery that some contained traces of listeria.
Listeria monocytogenes was identified in 120g packs of Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives with use-by dates of September 13, 2026, September 18, 2026, and September 27, 2026. Shoppers who have bought these packs are strongly advised not to consume them and to return them to their nearest Waitrose store for a full refund.
Health risks and symptoms
Listeria can contaminate a broad range of foods, though certain products are considered higher risk. Pre-made deli meats, salads, soft mould-ripened cheeses such as Camembert and Brie, and other pre-prepared chilled foods are among those most commonly associated with the bacteria, reports the Express.
According to the NHS, listeria is a bacterium that can cause a rare infection known as listeriosis, which has the potential to make some individuals seriously unwell. For the majority of people, listeriosis either produces no symptoms at all or results in mild illness lasting a few days, including a high temperature, aches and pains, chills, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhoea. In rare cases, however, the infection can become far more serious, leading to severe complications such as meningitis.
Recent recalls across UK supermarkets
The latest Waitrose recall notice comes after a series of food contamination incidents across the UK over the past week, with Sainsbury's experiencing its own black olive product recall just days earlier. The major UK supermarket was compelled to issue an urgent recall of its Inspired to Cook Pitted Black Olives following the discovery of the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. The recall affected 120g packs with use-by dates of 6 September, 7 September, and 10 September 2026. Customers have been advised not to consume the product and to return it to the store for a refund. Anyone requiring further information can visit the Sainsbury's website or contact its careline on 0800 028 8303.
Waitrose also faced another product recall issue, with the major grocery retailer warning customers not to eat its Waitrose Rhubarb Crumble if they have certain allergies. The product was discovered to contain oats, which had not been listed on the product label. The presence of oats meant the product contained gluten, which had not been mentioned on the label, posing a risk for people with allergies or coeliac disease.
Official guidance for affected customers
The Food Standards Agency said: "This product contains gluten, making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to oats or gluten, or with coeliac disease. If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to oats or gluten or have coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund."
The 500g pack affected by the recall notice carries a use-by date of August 19, 2026. However, as the product is suitable for freezing, shoppers may still have it stored at home. Waitrose's recall notice states: "Please check your home freezer for the product. Do not consume. Package up the item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund. We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused."
