An urgent ‘do not eat’ warning has been issued after a cooked meat product sold in Tesco was found to be contaminated with potentially deadly bacteria.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced that The Curing Barn is recalling its British Bresaola after Listeria monocytogenes were detected in the product.
The affected batch has the product code ‘WLRC J1Z2 0WD0 J85J’, is sold in 60g packs and has a use-by date of June 10, 2026.
Customers who have purchased the meat – which retails for £4.50 per pack – are advised not to eat it. Instead, it should be returned to the store for a full refund.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis – a rare but potentially serious infection.
While symptoms may be mild for some, the illness can be dangerous for pregnant women, older people and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the FSA, symptoms can include a high temperature, muscle aches, chills and sickness.
In more severe cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
The Curing Barn is recalling its British Bresaola after Listeria monocytogenes were detected
Health officials warn that listeria is particularly concerning because it can survive – and even grow – in refrigerated conditions, making ready-to-eat foods such as sliced deli meats especially high risk.
Listeriosis is typically contracted by eating contaminated food such as deli meats, unpasteurised dairy products and raw produce.
Symptoms often begin mildly, including fever, muscle aches and diarrhoea, but in more serious cases the infection can spread to the bloodstream or brain, causing meningitis or sepsis.
According to UK health data, there were 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, with the highest rates seen in people aged 80 and over.
Pregnancy-related infections accounted for around a fifth of cases. Of those where outcomes were known, 43.7 per cent resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage.
Among non-pregnancy cases, 28 deaths were reported – nearly one in five – with listeriosis recorded as a cause of death in several instances.
Health officials investigated seven outbreaks in England and Wales in 2024, including cases linked to smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage and pre-packed sandwiches.
Experts warn that while listeria infections may initially appear mild, invasive cases can lead to fever, headaches, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.
Unlike more common foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, listeria has a longer incubation period and can cause more severe complications, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Supermarkets are expected to display notices informing customers of the recall and advising on what action to take.
The alert comes amid growing concern over the safety of everyday food products, particularly pre-packed and ready-to-eat items.
Anyone who has consumed the product and feels unwell is urged to seek medical advice.
