Waitrose has recalled Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in the product. The Food Standards Agency has issued a 'do not eat' warning for the affected packs.
Which packs are affected?
The recall applies to 120g packs with use-by dates of September 13, September 18 and September 27, 2026. Customers are advised to return the olives to their nearest Waitrose store for a full refund.
"Waitrose is recalling Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product," the agency stated. "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest Waitrose store where you will be given a full refund. For further information, please contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884, Option 4."
Health risks and symptoms
According to the agency, 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. 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.
Waitrose apology and similar recall
Waitrose confirmed that a refund will be made for people returning the olives and issued an apology. "We are recalling Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives 120g as a precautionary measure due to the potential presence of listeria which may cause illness if consumed," it said. "We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused."
Last week, Sainsbury's recalled its Inspired to Cook Pitted Black Olives after Listeria monocytogenes was found in the product. That recall affected 120g packs with use-by dates of September 6, September 7 and September 10, 2026. Customers who bought an affected pack were similarly told not to eat the olives and instead return them to their nearest Sainsbury's store for a full refund.
