Supermarkets and cafes across the UK are recalling chicken products over salmonella fears.
What has been said?
Pret A Manger has removed all chicken from its menus over a “supplier food safety issue”.
Both Pret and Sainsbury’s described the move as a “precautionary measure”.
A message from Pret A Manger’s UK Twitter account in a reply to a customer on Wednesday (May 11) said: “Hi, Customer safety’s always our priority, so we’ve temporarily removed chicken from our menu as a precautionary measure due to a supplier food safety issue. No Pret products have currently been affected and we’re continuing to work with the supplier on the issue.”
Sainsbury’s wrote on Twitter: “We are recalling the majority of Sainsbury’s and Taste the Difference chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, chicken sandwich platters and some of our cooked chicken.”
Aldi said: “The products listed above are being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella. Customers are asked to return this product to their nearest store, where a full refund will be given.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your co-operation.”
More retailers are recalling products, as Waitrose said: “Waitrose is recalling the above products as a precautionary measure due to the potential presence of Salmonella, which may cause illness if consumed.
“No other Waitrose products are impacted.”
The supermarket advised: “Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.”
Anyone looking for more advice should contact Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 881 and option four.
Whereas Marks & Spencer said: “Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take all issues regarding the production of our foods extremely seriously.”
Anyone wanting to return items does not need a receipt and if unsure what to do, can call the supermarket’s customer service line.
What products have been recalled?
Concerns were first raised when Aldi recalled its Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Triple and Eat + Go Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap on 10 May because of the possible presence of salmonella.
Pret a Manger also took the “precautionary measure” to remove all chicken items from its menu “due to a potential food safety risk at a supplier”.
The Food Standards Agency advises consumers who bought any of the affected products not to eat them.
Sainsbury’s has withdrawn 33 items from sale as a precaution, including basics such as the Chicken Salad Sandwich and Coronation Chicken Sandwich. The full list can be read here.
Tesco has recalled 14 products, as follows:
- Tesco chicken breast slices, 180g
- Tesco chicken breast slices, 360g
- Tesco chicken breast slices, 180g
- Tesco tikka chicken breast thins, 180g
- Tesco coronation chicken pieces, 180g
- Tesco tandoori chicken pieces, 180g
- Tesco garlic & herb chicken breast mini fillets, 170g
- Tesco fajita chicken breast mini fillets, 170g
- Tesco flame grilled chicken breast mini fillets, 170g
- sliced chicken breast with sage & onion, 180g
- Tesco piri piri chicken breast mini fillets, 170g
- Tesco BBQ chicken breast pieces, 180g
- Tesco piri piri chicken breast pieces, 180g
- Tesco flame grilled chicken thins, 180g
M&S has recalled 12 products, as follows:
- Coronation Chicken Deli Filler
- 14-piece classic sandwich platter
- Classic mini roll selection
- Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
- Made Without Wheat Gluten Free Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
- Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
- Roast Chicken & Salad Sandwich
- Chicken & Bacon Layered Salad
- Chargrilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Chicken Honey Mustard Pasta Salad
- Café Gluten Free Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Café Classic Sandwich Selection
Waitrose has recalled 10 products, as follows:
- Waitrose Roast Chicken Salad with Salad Cream Sandwich
- Waitrose Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich
- Waitrose Roast Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich
- Waitrose Essential Chicken Mayo Sandwich
- Waitrose Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap
- Waitrose Sweet Chilli Chicken with Coconut & Coriander Pickle Wrap
- Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich
- Waitrose Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
- Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
- Waitrose Entertaining Meat Roulade Wrap Selection
What is salmonella?
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can make people and animals sick from a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. Foodborne means the bacteria are carried on food.
Salmonella can contaminate foods including eggs, chicken, pork and dairy produce. But fruit and vegetable can also become contaminated if they have been in contact with livestock, manure or untreated water.
According to thUK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there are “more than 2,500 strains of salmonella bacteria”. These live in the guts of domestic and wild animals including chickens, cattle, pigs, hedgehogs, snakes and lizards.
What are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning?
The symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea;
- Stomach cramps;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting and fever (temperature of 38C or above);
- Generally feeling unaware – feeling tired or having aches or chills.
