Asda and Morrisons have issued urgent product recall notices over potential food safety concerns. The supermarket chains have advised shoppers to avoid consuming specific items due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Affected Products
Asda's Cheese and Tomato Pasta Salad and its Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad have been impacted. Additionally, Morrisons' Chicken and Bacon Pasta is also affected. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a recall notice alerting consumers about these products.
The agency said: "The possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to the flu and include a high temperature, muscle aches or pain, chills, feeling or being sick, and diarrhoea."
Health Risks and Advice
"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.
The FSA added: "If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest store, where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt. For further information Asda customers can contact Asda Customer Relations 0330 053 0111 and Morrisons customers can contact Customer Services 0345 611 6111."
Product Details
- Asda Cheese & Tomato Pasta Salad: Product code 5063089221990, pack size 300g, use by August 10, 2026.
- Asda Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad: Product code 5063717198311, pack size 500g, use by August 9, 2026.
- Morrisons Chicken and Bacon Pasta: Product code 5010251790587, pack size 300g, use by August 7, 2026.
While the use-by dates on the affected products have now passed, it is advisable to check whether you have any of the affected items and refrain from consuming them. If you have stored the pasta in the freezer, do not eat it.
Understanding Listeriosis
The NHS states that listeriosis is typically contracted through consuming food with Listeria bacteria. While it can contaminate a broad range of foods, most cases stem from eating chilled, ready-to-eat products. These can include pre-made sandwiches and salads, cooked sliced meats, pre-cut fruit, and smoked or cured fish. Symptoms can include a high temperature, aches and pains, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
You can lower your chances of contracting listeriosis by keeping chilled, ready-to-eat foods at the correct temperature, consuming them within four hours of removing them from the fridge, and eating them before their use-by date. Always follow storage guidelines and consume opened food within two days, unless the packaging states otherwise. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods apart and follow any cooking instructions provided on the packaging.
