LIDL has recalled two trout products after fears they may be contaminated with deadly bacteria, listeria.
It comes amid a wider outbreak of the bug which has so far left 15 people ill and three dead since 2020.
GettyTraces of listeria have been found in Lidl trout – customers are being asked to return the products[/caption]
For most infected with listeria, the illness is mild, but for some it can cause miscarriage during pregnancy, sepsis or meningitis in newborn babies, and can be fatal for the vulnerable.
The FSA has urged all pregnant and vulnerable people to only eat smoked fish that has been cooked through this Christmas.
“As we approach the peak of the festive season, we know consumers are more likely to eat smoked fish, such as smoked salmon and trout,” Junior Johnson of the FSA, said
“While investigations into the outbreak continue, FSS and FSA are reminding vulnerable consumers of the advice more generally around consuming smoked fish – it must be heated until it is steaming hot, before they eat it,” he added.
The supermarket has asked customers to return Deluxe Oak Smoked Scottish Louch Trout and Lighthouse Bay Smoked Trout Trimmings marked with ‘use by’ dates between and including December 20 and January 6.
Those who return the fish will be eligible for a full refund, the Food Standard Agency (FSA) said in a statement.
The nine symptoms of Listeria to watch out for
The most common symptoms of listeria poising include:
a high temperature of 38C or aboveaches and painschillsfeeling sick or vomitingdiarrhoeaa severe headache and stiff neckdiscomfort when looking at bright lightsfits (seizures)sudden confusion
Pregnant women, babies, those with a weak immune system and the elderly are at particular risk and should contact 111 immediately if they believe they have listeriosis.
You may need a blood test to determine if you’ve been infected.
You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience more severe symptoms – symptom 7 to 9 on the list.