Health authorities have triggered an urgent nationwide recall of popular breakfast items from two of Britain's most trusted supermarkets after detecting dangerous Listeria contamination.
Which Products Are Affected?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has identified specific batches of breakfast burritos that pose a serious health risk to consumers. The affected products include:
- Marks & Spencer Breakfast Burritos (pack of two) with use-by dates of September 17, 18, and 19, 2024
- Waitrose Breakfast Burritos (pack of two) carrying the same September dates
Why This Recall Matters
This isn't just a routine food withdrawal. The FSA has classified this as a Class I recall - the most serious category reserved for situations where contaminated products could cause life-threatening illness.
Listeria monocytogenes presents particular dangers for vulnerable groups, including:
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- People over 65 years of age
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
- Those with underlying health conditions
What Consumers Should Do Immediately
If you've purchased either of these products, health officials advise:
- Do not consume the burritos under any circumstances
- Return them to the store for a full refund
- Monitor for symptoms if you've already eaten the product
Recognising Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection can take several weeks to manifest. Key symptoms to watch for include:
- High temperature and fever-like symptoms
- Aches and pains throughout the body
- Chills and general malaise
- Feeling sick or experiencing diarrhoea
Public Health England emphasises that anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should seek medical attention promptly.
Supermarket Response
Both Marks & Spencer and Waitrose have acted swiftly, removing all affected batches from shelves and implementing enhanced safety checks. Customer notice displays have been erected in stores nationwide, and both retailers are offering full refunds without requiring receipts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust food safety protocols, even for products from reputable supermarkets. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check their refrigerators for the recalled items.
