An urgent 'do not eat' warning has been issued by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) following the discovery of potentially deadly Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in a cooked meat product sold at Tesco. The Curing Barn is recalling its British Bresaola due to this contamination. The affected product is identified by the product code 'WLRC J1Z2 0WD0 J85J', comes in 60g packs, and has a use-by date of June 10, 2026. Customers who have purchased this meat, which retails for £4.50 per pack, are strongly advised not to consume it. Instead, they should return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.

Listeria is a type of bacteria capable of causing listeriosis, a rare but potentially very serious infection. While symptoms can be mild for some individuals, the illness poses significant danger to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, older people, and those with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms of listeriosis can include a high temperature, muscle aches, chills, and sickness. In more severe instances, the infection can escalate to life-threatening complications, potentially spreading to the bloodstream or brain, leading to conditions such as meningitis or sepsis. Invasive cases may also present with fever, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.

Health officials have highlighted the particular concern surrounding Listeria due to its ability to survive and even multiply in refrigerated conditions. This characteristic makes ready-to-eat foods, such as sliced deli meats, especially high-risk. Listeriosis is typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food items, which can include deli meats, unpasteurised dairy products, and raw produce. Unlike more common foodborne illnesses like salmonella, Listeria infections are characterized by a longer incubation period and can result in more severe complications, particularly within at-risk populations.

According to UK health data, England and Wales reported 179 cases of listeriosis in 2024, with the highest incidence observed in individuals aged 80 and over. Pregnancy-related infections accounted for approximately one-fifth of these cases, with known outcomes showing that 43.7 percent resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage. Among non-pregnancy cases, 28 deaths were reported, representing nearly one in five, with listeriosis explicitly recorded as a cause of death in several instances. Health officials also investigated seven outbreaks across England and Wales in 2024, which were linked to various food items including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage, and pre-packed sandwiches.

Supermarkets are expected to prominently display recall notices to inform customers about the contaminated product and guide them on the appropriate actions to take. This alert underscores growing concerns regarding the safety of everyday food products, particularly those that are pre-packed and ready-to-eat. Anyone who has consumed the recalled British Bresaola and subsequently feels unwell is urged to seek immediate medical advice.