Waitrose pulls fresh coleslaw salads from shelves after deadly listeria bacteria found in one batch
WAITROSE has pulled fresh coleslaw salads from its supermarket shelves after a batch containing the deadly listeria bacteria was discovered.
Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by the bacteria called listeria. In most cases it causes a fever, aches and pains, vomiting and diarrhoea but in vulnerable people, it can be fatal.
The deadly bug has been found in one of the component parts of the salad that had been used in the product for the dates provided, therefore the recall is precautionary as the products may contain listeria.
The affected products are the 220g Waitrose Crisp & Creamy Deli Style Coleslaw side salads with the use by dates July 20, July 21, July 22 and July 23.
Customers who have bought the food items are being urged to return it immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokesperson for Waitrose said: "We recalled Waitrose Crisp & Creamy Deli Style Coleslaw Side Salad (220g) with the use by dates 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd July.
"This was a precaution due to the possible presence of listeria, which was found during routine testing by the supplier."
"We're sorry to our customers for this and are asking them, if they've bought the product, to return it for a refund."
No other Waitrose products are known to be affected.
Many supermarkets across the UK, including Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Iceland, pulled bags of their frozen veg as a precautionary measure over fears they might contain traces of the bug.
The deadly disease is a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.
The bacteria can cause a life-threatening infection, where symptoms can appear similar to flu, including a high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
Dozens of Brits have fallen ill, while two have lost their lives, officials confirmed.
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According to the Food Standards Agency, the bacteria can be killed through cooking, but sweetcorn can be eaten raw and could be a potential threat.
Tens of thousands of products have been pulled and customers are being advised not to eat them, and instead return them to the store in exchange for a refund. Here's a full list of all the products that are being recalled over listeria fears.
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