Three chicken products sold under the spar brand are being recalled in the UK following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable individuals. The supermarket recall affects items widely distributed across local branches, prompting urgent warnings to customers.
According to the Birmingham Mail, the contaminated batches include ready-to-eat fillets and slices, all marked with the same use-by date and batch code. Health authorities have reiterated the potential severity of listeriosis in at-risk groups, urging consumers not to eat the affected products and to return them for a refund while monitoring symptoms.
Details of the Recall
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that spar is recalling several ready-to-eat chicken products due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The affected items are:
- SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Slices – 150g, batch code 5126, use by May 21, 2025
- SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Fillets – 150g, batch code 5126, use by May 21, 2025
- SPAR Enjoy Local Chicken Fillets – 300g, batch code 5126, use by May 21, 2025
In an official statement, the FSA said:
SPAR is recalling several chicken products because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products.
If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return the products to where they were bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact SPAR Customer Services on 0289 034 2733.
Point-of-sale notices have been issued in SPAR stores to inform customers and guide them through the refund process.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Listeriosis
According to the FSA, symptoms of infection with Listeria monocytogenes can resemble flu and include:
high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
The statement also noted:
In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.
Certain population groups are at greater risk, including:
Those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
It was also noted that:
Some people are completely asymptomatic.
Anyone experiencing severe headaches or confusion is urged to seek emergency care:
If you suddenly develop severe headaches or feel very confused, you should stop what you’re doing and dial 999 straight away.
Previous Incidents and Broader Context
This recall follows earlier incidents involving Listeria in the UK. Earlier this year, the UK Health Security Agency investigated three deaths linked to contaminated hospital desserts.
The affected products included:
A chocolate and vanilla mousse, as well as a strawberry and vanilla mousse. Both of the products were supplied to hospitals, it’s believed.
