Food safety officials have triggered an urgent nationwide alert after discovering potential salmonella contamination in fresh parsley sold across major UK supermarkets. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an immediate product recall, warning consumers to check their kitchens for affected batches.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets fresh parsley sold in 30g packs bearing the lot code 14309511 and a best-before date of May 18, 2024. Consumers who have purchased this product are being urged not to consume it under any circumstances.
What Are the Health Risks?
Salmonella infection can cause serious health complications, particularly for vulnerable groups. Health experts warn that symptoms may include:
- Severe stomach cramps and bloating
- Persistent diarrhoea
- High fever and vomiting
- Headaches and general malaise
"Symptoms typically develop between 12 and 72 hours after consumption," explained a food safety spokesperson. "While most healthy adults recover within a week, the infection can be dangerous for elderly individuals, young children, and those with compromised immune systems."
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased the affected parsley, the FSA recommends:
- Immediately dispose of the product or return it to the store
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that touched the parsley
- Wash hands meticulously with soap and warm water
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop
Major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons are cooperating with the recall and offering full refunds to customers who return the affected product.
Ongoing Investigation
The FSA has launched a full investigation into the source of the contamination. "We're working closely with the supplier and retailers to determine how this occurred and ensure all affected products are removed from the supply chain," the agency stated.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance and the robust systems in place to protect consumers when potential risks are identified.
