A MAJOR supermarket has urgently recalled specific batches of some popular breaded chicken products over fears they may cause salmonella.
The recall affects Marks & Spencer Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers and Chicken Kyivs, which have been linked to the bacteria.
Marks & Spencer recalls Southern Fried Chicken Burgers[/caption]
Packs of 2 Chicken Kyivs have also been recaled[/caption]
The chicken meals affected are only sold in Marks and Spencer in Northern Ireland.
An urgent “do not eat” warning has also been issued to all who have bought the products.
Salmonella, a nasty bacteria infection, is said to have been found during routine testing.
Usually, salmonella symptoms include a fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, according to the Food Standards Agency.
Marks and Spencer Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burger products with use by dates of January 26, January 30, January 31 and February 1 2025 are affected.
Meanwhile, shoppers have also been warned about M&S 2 Chicken Kyivs with the use by date of January 26 2025.
M&S have now placed notices at points of sale to alert shoppers, say the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Customers are being urged to check their products against the recall list.
The FSA said: “These batches of Marks and Spencer Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burger and 2 Chicken Kyivs are being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella.
“People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours.
“The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps.
“The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission.
“The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.”
If you have purchased the implicated products, the advice is to not to eat them and to return them for a full refund.
The FSA issues 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 action to be taken on behalf of consumers.
What is Salmonella?
SALMONELLA is an infection in the gut. It is a type of food poisoning.
What causes it?
Salmonella is usually contracted when you eat contaminated food or drinks such as raw (unpasteurised) milk or eggs, uncooked meats – especially poultry.
It has also been found in a wide range of foods and products such as chocolate, cooked meats, baby milk, and salads.
What are the symptoms?
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General tiredness
What to do if you have it?
Usually, you won’t need treatment. Just drink plenty of water.
Symptoms take between 12 and 72 hours to develop.
It may take up to two weeks to clear up, but if symptoms become severe, call your GP.
Salmonella isn’t usually life threatening.
How do you prevent it?
- Wash your hands before and after cooking
- Prepare your food carefully (on clean surfaces, using clean equiptment)
- Cook your food properly
- Avoid ‘raw’ dairy products
- Avoid drinking river water
