Tesco Recalls Multiple Pasta Salad Products Over Salmonella Fears

Tesco has initiated a recall of several pasta salad products due to concerns over potential Salmonella contamination. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises anyone who has purchased these items to refrain from consuming them and to self-isolate for a minimum of 48 hours if they experience any related symptoms.

Among the affected products are the 225g pots of Tesco Basil Pesto and Semi Dried Tomato Pasta, which have a use-by date of July 24, 2025. Also included are the 285g pots of Tesco Chicken and Chorizo Pasta, with use-by dates of either July 24 or July 25, and 290g pots of Tesco Feta Semi Dried Tomato Pasta, all with a best-before date of July 24.

Salmonella bacteria can cause serious illness, leading to symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are urged to stay away from work, school, or daycare facilities until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

In response to these concerns, Tesco has released a recall notice that informs customers of the situation and outlines necessary steps for returning the products. The FSA has stated, “If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.” Customers can seek further assistance through Tesco’s contact page.

Understanding the distinction between a product being “withdrawn” and “recalled” is crucial. A withdrawal involves removing a product from store shelves, while a recall requests customers to return the product due to safety concerns. The FSA regularly circulates Product Recall Information Notices to inform both consumers and local authorities about food-related issues.

In a related health alert, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reported a concerning outbreak of listeriosis linked to products sold at Tesco and other supermarkets in Ireland. This follows the death of an individual who contracted the rare bacterial infection. As of July 22, 2025, nine other confirmed cases have been identified, prompting a precautionary recall of various ready-to-heat meals produced by Ballymaguire Foods. These meals include popular items like cottage pies, lasagnes, and curries, which are available at Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, and Aldi.

Listeriosis can manifest through mild flu-like symptoms, though severe cases are rare among healthy individuals. Vulnerable populations, including expectant mothers, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to severe infections. The timeframe for symptoms to develop after exposure can range from three weeks to as long as 70 days.

A national outbreak control team is currently investigating this listeriosis outbreak. The team includes representatives from the HSE National Health Protection Office, the HSE National Environmental Health Service, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. They are working to assess the situation and gather more information as it becomes available.

The HSE has confirmed that it has been notified of the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis but cannot disclose further details to maintain medical confidentiality.

As the investigation continues, both Tesco and the FSA are committed to ensuring customer safety and will provide updates as necessary. Individuals are encouraged to return any affected products and report any adverse health effects to a healthcare professional.