Sainsbury's recalls chorizo product over listeria risk

Sainsbury's has recalled its Taste the Difference Spanish Chorizo Iberico ring due to the presence of listeria. The retailer has recalled all date codes of the product as listeria monocytogenes has been found in some of the products.

Listeriosis is a food poisoning caused by the bacteria listeria monocytogenes. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause more serious complications such as meningitis.

Pregnant women, babies, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death in pregnant women.

Sainsbury's has advised customers not to eat the recalled chorizo product and to return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

What to do if you have bought the recalled chorizo product

If you have bought Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Spanish Chorizo Iberico ring, do not eat it. Return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. If you have eaten the recalled chorizo product and are concerned about your health, contact your doctor or NHS 111.

What is listeria monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is found in soil and water, and can contaminate a variety of foods, including raw meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Listeria monocytogenes can grow at cold temperatures, so it is important to keep food properly refrigerated. Listeria can also survive in some processed foods, such as hot dogs, deli meats, and soft cheeses.

Symptoms of listeriosis

Symptoms of listeriosis can develop anywhere from a few days to several weeks after eating contaminated food. Most people who develop listeriosis experience mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days.

However, in some people, listeriosis can cause more serious complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Pregnant women who develop listeriosis can pass the infection to their unborn babies. This can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death.

Treatment for listeriosis

Listeriosis is usually treated with antibiotics. However, in some cases, it can be fatal.

How to prevent listeriosis

There are a number of things you can do to prevent listeriosis:

•         Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling food.
•          Cook meat, poultry, and fish to a safe internal temperature.
•          Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
•          Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
•          Keep food properly refrigerated.

Pregnant women should also take the following precautions:

•      Avoid eating hot dogs, deli meats, and soft cheeses unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
•          Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless they are washed thoroughly.
•          Avoid contact with farm animals and their waste. 

If you are concerned about your risk of developing listeriosis, talk to your doctor.