Urgent Food Safety Alert: Contaminated Meat Product Recalled
A critical “do not eat” warning has been issued following the discovery of potentially harmful bacteria in a cooked meat product sold at Tesco. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that The Curing Barn is recalling its British Bresaola after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in the product.
The affected batch is identified by the product code ‘WLRC J1Z2 0WD0 J85J’. It is available in 60g packs and has a use-by date of June 10, 2026. Customers who have purchased this meat, which costs £4.50 per pack, are strongly advised not to consume it. Instead, they should return the product to the store for a full refund.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a rare but serious infection. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms, the illness poses a significant risk to pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include a high temperature, muscle aches, chills, and sickness. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis or sepsis.
Why Listeria Is a Major Concern
Health officials highlight that one of the most alarming aspects of Listeria is its ability to survive and even grow in refrigerated conditions. This makes ready-to-eat foods like sliced deli meats particularly risky.
Listeriosis is typically contracted through contaminated food, including deli meats, unpasteurised dairy products, and raw produce. Symptoms often begin with mild signs such as fever, muscle aches, and diarrhoea. However, in more severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or brain, leading to serious health issues.
Recent Data on Listeriosis Cases
According to UK health data, there were 179 reported cases of listeriosis in England and Wales in 2024. The highest rates were observed in people aged 80 and over. Pregnancy-related infections accounted for around a fifth of these cases. Of those where outcomes were known, 43.7% resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage.
Among non-pregnancy cases, 28 deaths were reported, with listeriosis recorded as a cause of death in several instances. Health officials investigated seven outbreaks in 2024, including cases linked to smoked fish, chocolate, strawberry mousse, garlic sausage, and pre-packed sandwiches.
Long-Term Effects and Vulnerable Groups
Experts warn that while listeria infections may initially appear mild, invasive cases can lead to fever, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Unlike more common foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, listeria has a longer incubation period and can cause more severe complications, especially in vulnerable groups.
Steps Being Taken by Supermarkets
Supermarkets are expected to display notices informing customers of the recall and advising them on the necessary actions to take. This includes returning the product for a refund and avoiding consumption.
The alert comes amid growing concerns about the safety of everyday food products, particularly pre-packed and ready-to-eat items. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check for any recalls related to the products they purchase.
What Should You Do?
Anyone who has consumed the product and feels unwell is encouraged to seek medical advice immediately. It is essential to stay informed about food safety alerts and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your family.
