Sainsbury's has issued an urgent recall for a batch of its 'Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives' over the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is urging shoppers not to eat the affected product, which was sold in 120g packs.
Only olive packets with use-by dates of September 6, September 7 and September 10, 2026, are affected by the recall. Customers are advised to check the use-by dates on the packaging to determine whether the product they bought is included.
Listeria risks and symptoms
Listeria is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis. The NHS website says: "It usually goes away on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill."
The FSA bulletin warning said: "Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. 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.
What shoppers should do
Unlike many other bacteria linked to food poisoning, Listeria is particularly resilient. It can survive and continue to grow even in cold conditions, including inside refrigerators, while also tolerating salty and acidic environments. People can become infected after eating contaminated foods, including unpasteurised dairy products, soft cheeses, deli meats, hot dogs and raw produce that has not been properly washed.
The FSA said point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. Shoppers who have bought the affected product are urged not to eat it. Instead, customers should return it to their nearest Sainsbury's store and will be given a full refund.
In their recall notice, Sainsbury's said: "No other products have been affected by this issue. Sainsbury's would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."
