A food safety alert has been issued in England following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a batch of tofu sold under the Tofu King brand. The product, marketed as Paper Tofu, has prompted an urgent recall and warning from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The alert concerns the 230g pack of Tofu King Paper Tofu carrying a use-by date of 29 October 2025. Health officials are urging consumers not to eat the affected product, citing the risk of potentially severe illness. The FSA is advising anyone who has purchased the tofu to return it to the store for a full refund.
Listeria Detection Prompts Nationwide Alert
According to the FSA, tests have confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the tofu product. This bacterium is known to cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous to specific risk groups including those over 65, pregnant individuals, newborns, and immunocompromised people.
Symptoms of listeriosis often resemble mild flu, with reported signs including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the illness can escalate, potentially leading to complications such as meningitis or sepsis. The FSA stressed that even asymptomatic cases can pose risks if the bacterium spreads internally.
The agency has categorically stated that all 230g packs with the 29 October 2025 use-by date should be considered potentially contaminated and must not be consumed. The recall is described as a precautionary measure, but the advice remains clear: return the product, even if no symptoms have been experienced.
The manufacturer, Tofu King, has taken steps to support the recall. Customers can contact the company directly by phone (0121 7725690) or email ([email protected]) and are being offered a full refund regardless of proof of purchase. Meanwhile, point-of-sale notices are expected to be visible in all retail locations where the product was available, providing guidance for concerned shoppers.
Heightened Risk to Vulnerable Consumers
Although listeriosis is relatively rare in the UK, it remains a significant public health concern due to its high mortality rate among vulnerable individuals. The FSA has reiterated the need for caution, particularly in households with pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems. It advises that anyone who may have consumed the product and is experiencing symptoms should contact a medical professional promptly.
This incident also highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety within specialist and imported food categories, where monitoring can sometimes lag behind more widely consumed products. Tofu King Paper Tofu is often stocked in specialist Asian food stores and some independent retailers, raising concerns over whether all affected units can be effectively tracked and recalled.
There is no current indication of other products being affected, and the recall appears to be limited to this single batch. However, the FSA has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation and update its guidance if needed.
