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Tesco and Lidl have issued an urgent food recall after several ready to eat ham products were found to carry a possible risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Customers who have purchased the affected products are being advised not to eat them and to return them to the store for a full refund.
The recall follows an alert issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which warned that consuming contaminated food could lead to listeriosis, a foodborne infection that can cause serious health complications in vulnerable individuals.
If you recently purchased sliced ham from Tesco or Lidl, especially in Northern Ireland, it is important to check the product details immediately.
The Food Standards Agency announced that several ham products supplied by O'Brien Fine Foods may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Although not every pack is expected to be contaminated, the potential health risk has prompted an immediate recall.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can survive and grow in refrigerated foods. It is commonly linked to chilled, ready to eat products such as sliced meats, smoked fish, soft cheeses, and prepared salads.
Because of the possible contamination, consumers are strongly advised not to consume any of the affected products.
The recalled products include:
The Food Standards Agency confirmed that these recalled products were distributed in Northern Ireland.
Anyone who has purchased the affected ham products should avoid eating them.
Instead, customers should:
Tesco and Lidl have also displayed recall notices in stores to inform shoppers about the affected products.
Lidl has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the recall and advised customers to return the affected products immediately.
The supermarket confirmed that refunds will be provided whether or not customers still have their purchase receipt. Customers with additional questions can also contact Lidl's customer service team for assistance.
Listeria is a bacterium that can contaminate certain foods during production, processing, or storage. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can continue growing even when food is refrigerated.
According to the NHS, most healthy adults experience only mild illness. However, some people can develop severe infections that require hospital treatment.
Foods commonly associated with Listeria include:
Proper food storage and following use by dates can help reduce the risk of infection.
Symptoms usually appear within a few days after consuming contaminated food, although they can sometimes develop much later.
Common symptoms include:
Most healthy people recover without medical treatment.
However, the infection can become much more serious in certain high risk groups.
Health experts warn that listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for:
In these groups, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and lead to life threatening complications such as meningitis or blood infections.
The NHS recommends contacting NHS 111 if you believe you may have listeriosis and you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
Emergency medical help should be sought immediately if symptoms become severe, including:
Prompt treatment with antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Food recalls are an essential part of food safety monitoring. Manufacturers and retailers work alongside the Food Standards Agency to remove potentially unsafe products from sale as quickly as possible.
Although recalls can be concerning, they demonstrate that food safety systems are working to identify potential risks before they affect a larger number of consumers.
Customers are encouraged to regularly check Food Standards Agency recall notices, particularly if they frequently purchase chilled ready to eat foods.
You can lower your risk of foodborne illness by following a few simple food safety practices:
These simple habits can greatly reduce the likelihood of food poisoning.
Tesco and Lidl have recalled selected ham products following a Food Standards Agency alert.
The products may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
No. Customers are advised not to consume the affected products and should return them for a refund.
Yes. Lidl has confirmed refunds are available even without proof of purchase. Customers should also follow guidance provided by Tesco for recalled products.
Most healthy adults recover with mild symptoms, but older adults, pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.
Food recalls should always be taken seriously, especially when bacterial contamination is involved. If you have recently purchased any of the recalled ham products from Tesco or Lidl, check the batch codes and use by dates immediately. Do not consume the products if they match the recall notice, and return them to your local store for a refund.
Staying informed about food safety alerts and following official public health guidance can help protect you and your family from avoidable foodborne illnesses.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Product recall information may change as official investigations continue. Always refer to the latest guidance issued by the Food Standards Agency, NHS, Tesco, or Lidl for the most up to date information. If you believe you have symptoms of listeriosis or another foodborne illness, contact a qualified healthcare professional immediately.