Tesco recalls popular item over E. coli contamination fears

Customers have been urged not to eat the food item

A popular food product sold by Tesco has been recalled following Food Standards Agency warnings over potential E. coli contamination. The supermarket giant is pulling its Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls and Pesto Orzo Salad 215g from shelves due to possible contamination with E. coli (STEC).

The withdrawal affects the 215g pack size bearing use by dates of August 25, 2026; August 26, 2026; and August 27, 2026. In a risk statement published online, the Food Standards Agency warned: "The possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli STEC in the product listed above.

"Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea with or without blood in the stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

"If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others."

Tesco has recalled the product and has issued a recall notice to alert customers, explaining why the product is being recalled and telling them what to do if they have bought the product, reports the Manchester Evening News.

It said: "Tesco is recalling specific dates codes of Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls and Pesto Orzo Salad 215g, due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which if consumed can cause illness.

"If you have purchased an affected batch of the above product, please do not eat it and instead return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is required.

"No other Tesco products are affected by this recall. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Customers are also urged to contact customer services for more information if they have bought an affected product, via the Tesco Customer Services page at tesco.com/help/contact.

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