Specialist Public Health Lawyers Welcome Food Safety Precautions

Supermarket chain Tesco has announced a recall of its own brand of chocolate over fears they may have been contaminated with Salmonella.

The 'Tesco Free From Belgian Chocolate Wafers' have been recalled after a similar product made in the same factory tested positive for the bacteria which can cause serious gastric illness.

The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice and customers who have bought the wafers are being told not to consume them and to return them to Tesco stores for a full refund.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning world-wide. After contaminated food has been consumed, symptoms usually occur within 7 and 24 hours and symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. The bacterial infection can also cause long term health consequences such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Irwin Mitchell’s expert lawyers have represented hundreds of clients who have suffered gastric illness as a result of contracting Salmonella either in the UK or while on holiday abroad.

Expert Opinion

“Tesco are right to take swift action in removing this product from the supermarket over fears it may contain Salmonella. <br/> <br/>“It is always worrying to see these concerns emerge as history has shown how serious an illness Salmonella can cause. <br/> <br/>“It’s vital that every possible step is taken to protect consumers who may have purchased the product. Salmonella can lead to people being hospitalised and we have seen through our work on behalf of victims that severe gastric symptoms such as diarrhoea, sickness and stomach cramps can cause long lasting health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome. <br/> <br/>“The focus now must be on fully investigating this incident to see what can be done to prevent any similar issues arising again.” Amandeep Dhillon - Partner