Warning as deadly listeria found in Sainsbury’s olives – supermarket issues ‘do not eat’ alert
Britons have been urged not to eat Sainsbury’s olives over fears they may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria.
The supermarket is recalling 120g packs of its Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives.
Food safety chiefs said Listeria monocytogenes ‘has been found in the product’.
Consuming the bacteria can trigger the infection listeriosis, which may lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis or meningitis.
The recall affects the 120g packs with a use by date of September 6, September 7 and September 10.
Officials from the Food Standards Agency have issued a ‘do not eat’ warning for customers.
Sainsbury’s has told shoppers to instead return the olives to their nearest store, where they will be eligible for a full refund.
‘No other products have been affected by this issue,’ the supermarket added. ‘Sainsbury’s would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.’
Sainsbury’s is recalling 120g packs of its Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives
The NHS says listeriosis is usually mild, with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhoea and nausea, but warns that it can make some people ‘seriously ill’.
It is most likely to be life-threatening among those with a weakened immune system.
This includes the elderly, pregnant women, newborn babies, and people with conditions such as diabetes or cancer and those receiving treatments including chemotherapy.
When the infection spreads to the bloodstream and brain it can trigger sepsis or meningitis.
The bacteria is usually killed during pasteurisation, meaning it is commonly associated with raw dairy products as well as ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats, smoked fish and pre-packaged sandwiches.
Many foods can harbour the organism and contaminated produce may not look or smell spoiled.
The NHS say the bacteria can also contaminate cheeses such as brie and camembert, pate and pre-cut fruit.
However, they stress: ‘These foods do not always contain listeria.
‘If you have eaten them recently, you do not need to do anything unless you get symptoms of the infection.’
While less common, listeriosis can also be caught from someone else who is infected.
This is typically passed when consuming food they have handled, particularly if their hands are not clean. Close contact with farm animals can also cause a spread.
UK Health Security Agency figures show 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, with 28 deaths recorded among non-pregnancy-related cases.
