Sainsbury's recalls hummus products due to possible E.coli

Sainsbury's has issued a "do not eat" warning as it has recalled two houmous products <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Sainsbury's has issued a "do not eat" warning as it has recalled two houmous products (Image: Newsquest)
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Sainsbury's has warned its customers "not to eat" two of its food products as it has been recalled due to a risk of illness, including diarrhoea.

The UK supermarket giant has recalled two of its hummus products due to the possible presence of E.coli.

The two products are specifically the JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon and Coriander Houmous.

For the JS Classic Houmous Pack, the batch affected is 315g, with a use-by date of September 13.

The JS Lemon and Coriander Houmous being recalled is a 200g pack, with the use-by date of September 14.

There is a warning that the products might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says symptoms caused by this organism include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, and haemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

Sainsbury's recalls hummus products due to possible E.coli

A spokesman for the FSA said: "Sainsbury’s has taken the precautionary step of recalling JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon and Coriander Houmous because these products may contain Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC).

"Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.

"These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.


What's the difference between best before and use-by?


"If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund."

A statement from Sainsbury's adds: "Customers are advised not to consume these products and instead return it to their local Sainsbury's store for a full refund.

"For further details or if you have any questions, please visit our website Sainsburys.co.uk/help or you can contact our careline on 0800 028 8303.

"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause."


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What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

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