Urgent recall: Apples and kiwi fruit pulled from major supermarkets | UK | News
Shoppers have been warned not to eat the affected products. (Image: Getty)
An urgent recall decision has been made over concerns that apples and kiwi fruit sold in supermarkets across the UK may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The warning was issued on Tuesday by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which said fruit supplier PrepWorld was recalling several pre-packaged fruit products from major supermarkets after tests detected Salmonella in apples and kiwis used in the products.
Products affected include ready-to-eat fruit pots and snack packs sold in ASDA, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
All relevant products have an expiration date or expiration date of June 23 or 24.
The only product affected at ASDA is the 220g Pink Lady Apple, Mango, Strawberry and Blueberry fruit pot, priced at £2.75.
Morrisons has recalled a 220g pack of Kiwi, Melon and Strawberries priced at £2.50 with an expiration date of June 24.
Tesco had the most affected products with four products removed from shelves. These include 250g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry pots (use by 24 June, £2.50), 100g Kiwi Fruit Pot (£1.50), 290g Fruit Kebabs with kiwi, watermelon, mango and pineapple chunks (£4.10) and 125g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry packs (£1.50).
Sainsbury’s and M&S both have three products recalled.
According to the Daily Mail, the products affected at Sainsbury’s include 220g Melon, Kiwi and Strawberry pots, Orange and Kiwi 240g packs and Pink Lady Apple and Grape 240g packs, which have an expiration date of June 23.
M&S has recalled three apple-based products: 90g Café Pink Lady Apple slices, 90g (FTG) Pink Lady Apple packs and 225g Pink Lady Apple Slices, with an expiry date of 24 June.
Waitrose has also removed its 115g packs of Pink Lady Apples and Grapes with an expiry date of June 23.
FSA said in its statement:
“Prepworld is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores selling these products.
“These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they purchase the products. Please see the attached notices.”
Salmonella is a leading cause of food poisoning worldwide and can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Supermarkets affected are ASDA, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. (Image: Getty)
Although most commonly associated with raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables can also be a source of contamination.
According to FSA guidance, young children, people aged 65 and over and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
The NHS says symptoms usually begin within hours or days of consuming contaminated food, but in some cases it can take weeks to appear.
Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, as well as rest, paracetamol and eating whenever possible, to prevent dehydration.
The FSA has told consumers who purchased the affected products not to eat them.
Instead, shoppers are encouraged to return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
The recall comes just a year after a similar warning was issued over concerns about Salmonella on a tasty snack sold by Lidl.
The supermarket has recalled Sol & Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratches after potential contamination was identified.
At the time, the FSA warned that affected batches could cause serious gastrointestinal symptoms and customers were instructed to return them for a full refund, without requiring an invoice.
