Popular sandwich filler urgently recalled over fears it contains dangerous bacteria that can trigger meningitis
A POPULAR sarnie filler sold in corner shops in the North of Britain has been recalled in a listeria health scare.
Eating food contaminated with the bacteria can put you at risk for listeriosis, a serious illness that, in rare cases, can trigger meningitis.
The manufacturer decided to take action when traces of listeria monocytogenes were “detected” in corned beef sold at SPAR in the north west of England.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have since issued a “do not eat” warning to anyone who has bought the salty filling.
Products included in the recall include 120g packs of SPAR corned beef with a ‘use by’ date of September 20 2024.
The FSA warned that eating food contaminated with this kind of bacteria can cause symptoms “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,” the FSA added.
Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
The manufacturer, James Hall & Co advised anyone who has purchased the corned beef to return it to the store for a full refund.
Signs will be placed in shops where the items are sold to warn people they should not be eaten.
It added that no other products had been affected by this issue.
They apologised for “any inconvenience to our customers”.
Throughout 2021, 160 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales, according to the most recent data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Twenty-two people passed away after suffering from the nasty illness.
Rates were highest among people aged 80 years and over, while a fifth of all infections occurred in pregnant mums.
There were three listeriosis outbreaks investigated in England and Wales in 2021, including a national outbreak associated with smoked fish.
More recently, listeria bacteria was found in cheese sold in Morrisons and Asda.
What to do if you suspect you've eaten food contaminated with listeria
If you think you may eaten food with listeria, it’s important to keep an eye on any symptoms that might arise.
Look out for signs like fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhoea.
If you start feeling unwell – especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system – call NHS 111 right away.
In the meantime, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
If you’re at higher risk, try to avoid raw or undercooked foods, deli meats, and raw dairy products until you get the all-clear.
Source: NHS