A popular air-dried beef product sold at Tesco has been urgently recalled due to possible contamination with listeria bacteria. Shoppers are being told not to consume the item and to return it for a refund.
The recall concerns British Bresaola produced by The Curing Barn, following warnings from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). The agency has identified a potential health risk linked to Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness.
The issue highlights ongoing concerns around food safety in ready-to-eat meat products. It also follows a separate recall involving sandwich meat sold across multiple UK supermarkets in recent days.
Product Recall Details and Health Risks
The affected product is a 60g pack of British Bresaola with a use-by date of June 10, 2026, and the product code WLRC J1Z2 0WD0 J85J. It is sold in Tesco stores at a price of £4.50. According to the Food Standards Agency, point-of-sale notices are being displayed in stores to inform customers of the recall and the steps to take.
The FSA has advised that consumers who have purchased the product should not eat it. Instead, they should return it to the store where it was bought to receive a full refund. According to the agency, this measure is precautionary due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, is described as a rare but potentially serious illness. Symptoms can include a high temperature, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. According to reporting from The Sun, in very rare cases, the infection can develop into more severe conditions such as meningitis.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to complications. The FSA notes that individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness if infected.
Product Recall Details and Health Risks
This recall comes shortly after another incident involving contaminated meat products sold by major UK supermarkets. Turkey Breast Pastrami products stocked by Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons were also recalled due to the presence of the same bacteria.
The affected pastrami products were sold in 142g packs, with product codes CK016 and CK027, and a use-by date of April 9, 2026. According to the Food Standards Agency, these items were withdrawn from sale following the detection of listeria contamination.
The recurrence of such recalls within a short timeframe points to broader monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards. According to the FSA, recall notices are issued to ensure that consumers are informed quickly and can take appropriate action to avoid potential health risks.
Bresaola, the product involved in the latest recall, is an air-dried, cured beef traditionally associated with Italian cuisine. Its ready-to-eat nature means it does not undergo further cooking before consumption, which can increase the importance of strict hygiene and safety controls during production.
Consumers are advised to check product labels carefully and follow official guidance when recalls are announced. According to the FSA, returning affected items remains the safest course of action when contamination is suspected.
