The recall affects 215g packs of the salad with use-by dates of 25 August, 26 August and 27 August 2026. The warning includes products with a use-by date of 27 August, meaning some customers may have had the item in their fridge on that day.
The issue was highlighted as part of wider food safety alerts, with consumers advised to check whether they have purchased the affected product. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Tesco is recalling the salad because of the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, also known as STEC.
Tesco Asks Customers to Return Affected Salad Packs
The supermarket has issued a recall notice explaining that customers who bought the affected Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad should not consume it. Instead, they have been advised to return the product to any Tesco store for a full refund. The affected product is limited to 215g packs carrying the listed use-by dates of 25, 26 and 27 August 2026. No other Tesco products are included in the recall notice.
According to the FSA, food recalls are issued when there is a problem with a product that means it should not be sold or eaten. A recall asks customers to return products they may already have purchased, while a withdrawal removes products from sale before they reach consumers.
The consumer group Which? also included the Tesco salad recall in its latest round-up of product safety alerts on 25 August. Its advice matched the FSA guidance, stating that anyone with an affected pack should not eat it and should return it to Tesco for a refund. The recall notice provides information for customers about the reason for the action and the steps they should take. Tesco has directed customers seeking further details to its customer services team.
Health Risks Linked to STEC Contamination
STEC bacteria can cause illness with symptoms including severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration. In some cases, diarrhoea may contain blood. According to the FSA, infections caused by STEC can sometimes lead to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can result in kidney failure and can be fatal.
People who have already eaten the affected salad have been advised to monitor their health for symptoms. Those experiencing bloody diarrhoea, ongoing vomiting or signs of dehydration should seek medical advice, with NHS 111 available for urgent guidance.
The FSA also advises people who become unwell to stay away from work, while children should remain away from school or nursery, until they have been free from symptoms for at least 48 hours. This measure is intended to reduce the risk of passing an infection to others.
The recall remains focused on the specific Tesco Finest salad packs and use-by dates identified by the company and food safety authorities. Customers are encouraged to check their fridges and follow the recall instructions if they find an affected product.
