Tesco Issues Urgent Product Recall Over Salmonella Contamination in Fruit
Tesco, the supermarket giant, has issued an urgent product recall for specific fruit lines after detecting the presence of Salmonella bacteria within the produce. The recall targets the Tesco Grape and Berry Medley, sold in a 230g pack, with customers advised to check their fridges immediately to avoid potential illness.
Details of the Affected Product
The recall applies exclusively to containers marked with a 'use by' date of either February 16 or February 17, 2026. Tesco is urging anyone who has purchased this product to refrain from eating it and instead return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. For further information, customers can visit Tesco's official contact page.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial infection typically found in the intestinal tract that can be spread through contaminated food or poor hygiene practices. Those who consume the tainted fruit may experience significant physical distress, with symptoms often appearing between six hours and six days following exposure. Public health officials warn that while most people recover within a week, the infection poses a particular risk of dehydration for vulnerable groups.
Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include:
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Tummy pain
- Feeling generally unwell
Official Guidance from Health Authorities
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stepped in to provide guidance for those who may have already consumed the product. An FSA spokesperson stated: "Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others."
Medical experts suggest seeking professional help if you suffer from a high fever of 38°C and above or notice blood in your stool. You should also watch for signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness and a dry mouth, which may require clinical intervention.
What to Do If You Have the Product
- Check your fridge for the Tesco Grape and Berry Medley in a 230g pack.
- Look for the 'use by' dates of February 16 or 17, 2026.
- Do not eat the product under any circumstances.
- Return it to any Tesco store for a full refund.
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
The NHS advises that food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week, but it is crucial to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. Symptoms can start within a few hours to a few days, and sometimes even weeks after exposure.
