Tesco has recalled its Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad after concerns that some packs could contain Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, known as STEC. The recall applies only to the 215g product carrying use-by dates of 25 August 2026, 26 August 2026 or 27 August 2026.
The Food Standards Agency issued the food alert on 25 August, warning customers not to consume affected packs. According to the agency, STEC can cause severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration, while some cases may lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, or HUS, a serious condition associated with kidney failure.
Tesco Identifies Three Use-by Dates in Recall
The recall covers Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad in the 215g pack size. Only products with use-by dates of 25, 26 and 27 August 2026 are included in the notice. According to Tesco’s recall information, the affected date codes are being withdrawn because of the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The supermarket has told customers who purchased one of the specified packs not to eat the salad.
Instead, shoppers should return the product to any Tesco store, where they will receive a full refund. A receipt is not required. Tesco has also stated that no other products are affected by the recall.
The company issued a customer notice explaining the reason for the action and setting out what consumers should do. Tesco also apologised for the inconvenience and directed customers seeking further information to its customer services service through its website.
The Food Standards Agency classifies this type of measure as a product recall, meaning consumers are asked to return an item that may already have been sold. This differs from a withdrawal, in which a product is removed from sale before further distribution to customers.
Food Standards Agency Warns of Stec Symptoms
The concern behind the recall is the possible presence of STEC in the salad. According to the Food Standards Agency, infection can result in severe diarrhoea, which may include blood in the stool, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration. The agency also warns that some people can develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome. HUS is described in the alert as a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, can be fatal.
People experiencing symptoms are advised to remain away from work, school or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. The guidance is intended to reduce the risk of the infection being passed to other people.
Tesco’s notice repeats the central advice for anyone who has bought an affected pack: do not eat it. Customers should return the salad to a Tesco store for a refund and can contact the retailer’s customer services team if they need further information. The Food Standards Agency recorded the recall under reference FSA-PRIN-41-2026 and last modified the notice on 25 August 2026.
