Tesco Meal Deal Salad Recalled Over Possible E. coli Contamination

Tesco has recalled a popular chilled food product after a possible contamination risk involving Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, commonly referred to as STEC. Customers who have purchased the affected product have been advised not to eat it and to return it to a Tesco store for a full refund.

The recall affects Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad, a 215g product that can be purchased as part of the supermarket's meal deal range. Three use-by dates are included in the warning: 25 August, 26 August and 27 August 2026.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised consumers who have bought one of the affected products not to eat it. Customers can return the item to any Tesco store for a full refund, and a receipt is not required.

What Tesco product has been recalled?

The product involved in the recall is Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad, 215g.

According to the supermarket's recall notice, the affected date codes are:

• Use by 25 August 2026
• Use by 26 August 2026
• Use by 27 August 2026

The reason for the recall is the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

Tesco has stated that no other products sold by the supermarket are affected by this particular recall. Customers are therefore being asked to check the product name, size and use-by date carefully rather than assuming that other Tesco salads or meal deal products are also affected.

What should customers do?

Anyone who has purchased the affected Tesco Finest salad should not eat it.

Instead, Tesco customers should return the product to their nearest Tesco store for a full refund. The FSA has confirmed that shoppers do not need to provide a receipt when returning the recalled product.

If you still have the packaging, it is sensible to check the product details and use-by date before disposing of or returning it. Customers should follow the latest advice from Tesco and the Food Standards Agency if further information becomes available.

Food recalls are issued as a precaution when a potential safety problem has been identified. In this case, the concern relates specifically to possible STEC contamination.

What is E. coli and why is it a concern?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can be found in the digestive systems of humans and animals. Many strains are harmless, but some can cause serious foodborne illness.

STEC is a group of E. coli bacteria capable of producing Shiga toxins. Infection can result in symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. In some cases, diarrhoea can contain blood.

More serious complications can occur, particularly among vulnerable people. One potential complication is haemolytic uraemic syndrome, or HUS, which can affect the kidneys and may require hospital treatment.

People who develop symptoms following consumption of a recalled food product should seek appropriate medical advice. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, significant dehydration or bloody diarrhoea should seek urgent medical attention.

Tesco has also advised people who develop symptoms to stay away from work, school or nursery for two days, helping to reduce the risk of spreading infection to other people.

Why food recalls are important

Food recalls play an important role in protecting consumers when a potential contamination or safety issue is identified.

A recall does not necessarily mean that every individual item has been contaminated. Instead, specific batches, date codes or products can be removed from sale when there is a potential risk. This allows retailers and food safety authorities to take precautionary action while limiting the recall to products that may be affected.

For consumers, the most important step is to pay attention to the exact product information included in a recall notice. Checking the brand, product name, pack size and use-by date can help shoppers determine whether an item is affected.

Tesco issues recent food safety recalls

The latest salad recall comes amid several food safety warnings involving products sold in UK supermarkets.

Tesco has previously recalled other food products over different potential safety concerns. In April 2026, the supermarket recalled a Tesco Finest summer edition chocolate affogato dessert because of the possible presence of plastic. A separate recall involving cured meat was also issued over concerns about possible Listeria contamination.

These incidents are unrelated to the current mozzarella and pesto orzo salad recall. Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that products mentioned in older recalls are connected to the latest warning.

There has also been a separate recall involving filled wraps from Summit Foods because of a potential STEC contamination issue. The affected products included certain Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wraps, Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap, East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap and Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap products with specified dates up to and including 5 September 2026.

What does this mean for Tesco meal deal customers?

For shoppers who regularly purchase Tesco meal deals, the recall is a reminder to check food safety notices, particularly when buying chilled products such as salads, sandwiches and wraps.

The Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad is only affected when it matches the details listed in the recall. Other Tesco meal deal items have not been identified as part of this particular warning.

If you have the recalled salad at home, do not eat it. Returning it to Tesco for a refund is the recommended course of action.

Customers should also avoid relying solely on the appearance or smell of food when deciding whether it is safe. Food contaminated with harmful bacteria may not necessarily look, smell or taste unusual.

Key information at a glance

Product: Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad
Pack size: 215g
Issue: Possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
Affected use-by dates: 25, 26 and 27 August 2026
Action: Do not eat the product
Refund: Return to any Tesco store for a full refund
Receipt required: No
Other Tesco products affected: Tesco says no other products are affected by this specific recall

Consumers who believe they may have eaten the affected product should monitor themselves for symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and signs of dehydration. More serious symptoms, including bloody diarrhoea, warrant prompt medical advice.

The safest approach is to follow official recall information and avoid eating any product that matches the affected details.

Source

The Independent on 26 August 2026, together with the recall information attributed to Tesco and the Food Standards Agency.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information only and is not medical advice. Food recall information can change, so consumers should check the latest guidance from Tesco and the Food Standards Agency. If you have eaten a recalled product and develop concerning or severe symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional or seek urgent medical assistance where appropriate.