Urgent M&S, Tesco and Lidl food poisoning warning — ‘do not eat’
A number of food and product recalls have been issued (Image: athima tongloom via Getty Images)
Major high street retailers including Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Lidl, John Lewis and Primark have all issued food and product recall alerts this week. Multiple urgent warnings have been sent out to shoppers regarding potential health hazards.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published notices from Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Lidl concerning food poisoning dangers. Meanwhile, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued recalls for John Lewis and Primark as certain items present serious health risks. As a result, shoppers have been urged not to eat the food products and to cease using the affected items immediately. Here is a summary of the latest UK recalls consumers should be aware of.
Lidl and Tesco ham products
Both supermarket chains issued recall notices for ham products this week as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the NHS, Listeriosis can cause serious illness in some individuals and is typically triggered by consuming contaminated food.
Brady Family Crumb Irish Ham
- Pack size 80g, Batch code 235880, Use by July 16, 2026
- Batch code 235765, Use by July 16 2026
Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham
- Pack size 130g, Batch code 235473, Use by July 16, 2026
Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham
- Pack size 130g, Batch code 235461, Use by July 16, 2026
The FSA said: “The possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
“However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis. Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.”
It continued: “If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to where you bought them from for a full refund.” The recalls apply to Northern Ireland only.
Lidl has recalled two ham products (Image: FSA)
Marks and Spencer cheese
M&S issued a recall for Food Truffle Gouda due to a Listeria monocytogenes risk. The retailer stated: “Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store, where they will receive a full refund.
“Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected.” The food item is being withdrawn from shops in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI) only due to safety concerns.
- Pack size 150g, Product code 29424887, Use by October 9, 2026
M&S has recalled a cheese product (Image: FSA)
Pasta product
Minton and Donello Organic White Orzo has been recalled as it contains wheat (gluten), which is not mentioned on its label or in its ingredient list. The packet also labels the product as “Orzo White Rice”, but orzo is a form of pasta.
The FSA stated: “This product contains wheat making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten or with coeliac disease, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.”
Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo
- Pack size 500g, Batch codes 78850, 78850 and 78850, Best before January 31, May 2 and May 24, 2027
Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo has been recalled (Image: FSA)
Primark pepper mill
The popular high street retailer has issued a recall on three models of pepper mill in brown and green due to the serious risk they pose, as they have been found to contain lead. The £8 hand-grinding mills were manufactured in India for the chain and sold throughout the UK.
The OPSS stated: “The product presents a serious chemical risk because it contains excess concentrations of lead. The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008.
“The product has been recalled from end users by Primark. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to their nearest Primark store for a full refund. For further information, please access the Primark Live Chat.”
- Model 6772201, Product code 5397349037640
- Model 6770801, Product code 5397349037541
- Model 3022201, Product code 5397349075604
Primark has recalled a number of pepper mills (Image: OPSS)
John Lewis doorstops and draught excluders
A selection of doorstops and draught excluders is being withdrawn from sale after it emerged they may be contaminated with asbestos. The items were available to purchase from January 31, 2021, to June 11, 2026.
The OPSS warned: “The products present a risk to health as the marble chips sealed within the doorstops and excluders may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
“Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.”
The agency added: “We recommend owners stop using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children.”
You must stop using the items immediately (Image: OPSS)
John Lewis’ recalled items
- Draught Excluder Navy – Product code: 57090502
- Draught Excluder Grey – Product code: 57090506
- Draught Excluder Stripe- Product code: 57090509
- Duck Doorstop – Product code: 57090429
- Elephant Doorstop – Product code: 57090428
- Frog Doorstop – Product code: 57090427
- Patterned Navy Doorstop – Product code: 57090409
- Pig Doorstop – Product code: 57090421
- Sausage Dog Doorstop – Product code: 57090420
- Fusion Doorstop – Product code: 57090426
- Snowman Doorstop – Product code: 57090425
- Gingerbread Doorstop – Product code: 57090424
- Grey Stripe Doorstop – Product code: 57090423
- Felt Doorstop – Product code: 57090420
- Llama Doorstop -Product code: 57090421
