Major UK supermarket recalls this popular Christmas food due to Listeria risk

Lidl GB and the Food Standards Agency have released a statement recalling two fish products often served for Christmas morning breakfast. They cited possible Listeria contamination.

Multiple warnings over eating salmon this festive season amid bacteria outbreak were issued earlier.Fifteen people have fallen ill since 2020, with eight cases found this year alone.

Have you purchased trout from Lidl recently?

The recalled products include Deluxe Oak Smoked Scottish Louch Trout in a 100g-sized pack size and Lighthouse Bay Smoked Trout Trimmings, coming in a pack of 120g. Both products have use-by dates between and including December 20, 2022, and January 6, 2023.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) explained:

Lidl GB is recalling Deluxe Oak Smoked Scottish Louch Trout and Lighthouse Bay Smoked Trout Trimmings, produced by St James Smokehouse because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to the authority, symptoms caused by the bacteriacan be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

Sadly, some people are more vulnerable to Listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, children under one-month-old, and people with weakened immune systems, and have to be especially careful when consuming raw seafood.

What to do if you purchased these products in Lidl?

The FSA reassured customers that the supermarket would be taking action to ensure their safety and that clear notices explaining why the products are being recalled and what to do with if they have been purchased will be displayed in all retail stores selling them.

The notices are to include the warning that Listeria Monocytogenes can trigger severe gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms similar to the flu.

Lidl GB advised customers to not consume the products but instead return them to a Lidl GB store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.

The supermarket apologised for any inconvenience caused to customers and urged anyone with queries or concerns to contact Customer Services at 0800 977 7766 or customer.services@lidl.co.uk.

Don’t ignore food recalls

While food recalls do not happen too often, they must be taken seriously when they do. The FSA stated:

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

Sources used:

- Express: 'Lidl recalls popular products due to possible contamination which may cause vomiting'

- The Telegraph: 'Warning over eating salmon this Christmas amid listeria outbreak'