Sainsbury’s has recalled some of its own-brand hummus after it was found it could contain potentially deadly E.coli.
JS Classic Houmous 315g tubs with a use-by date of 13 September and 200g packets of JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous dated 14 September are being recalled as a precaution, the supermarket chain said.
Affected batches could contain shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec), the Food Standards Agency said.
Customers should not eat the products, Sainsbury’s said.
It apologised for any inconvenience and said the relevant lines could be returned to its branches for a full refund.
STEC are bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on its website.
In severe cases, they can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) – a serious, life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
STEC bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person.
Infections rose by more than a quarter (26%) in England last year, compared to 2023, the agency said.
More than 2,500 culture-confirmed cases were recorded, with children aged 1 to 4 years old the most affected group.
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A combination of factors, such as lower levels of immunity, less developed hygiene practices, parents being more likely to seek medical treatment for young children, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms, were given as possible reasons.
Earlier this year, concerning levels of E.coli were found in the River Thames shortly before the Boat Race.
Campaign group River Action said almost a third of samples (29.5%) exceeded safe limits for entering the water.
One of the Oxford team’s rowers complained about “poo in the water” and claimed that sickness caused by an outbreak of E.coli contributed to their defeat.
In November, one person died and dozens fell ill in the US after contracting E.coli from carrots.